The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, expressed optimism on Sunday regarding the Greek Cypriot side’s political will being translated into a concrete initiative that will yield results in the effort to resume talks on the Cyprus issue.
In statements to the Press after participating in the “Run for Autism” charity race in Ayia Napa and asked if there had been a response from the Turkish Cypriot side regarding a meeting between the two leaders, President Christodoulides expressed his belief that there would be a positive response, adding that “there is no reason why the Turkish Cypriot leader would not agree to a meeting.”
Asked about the “marathon” of the Cyprus issue, the President of the Republic said that at some point we must reach the finish line. “I am optimistic based on what I have heard from the UN Secretary-General, and I hope there will be a corresponding response from all other sides. Thus, this clear political will, backed by a plan, will translate into a concrete initiative that will yield results,” he noted.
In response to another question regarding the installation of antennas by British bases in Akrotiri and whether the Government is aware of the British plans, the President of the Republic said that this issue, along with many others, is among the topics to be discussed and has been identified by the Cypriot side to initiate a comprehensive discussion with the British on this specific matter.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
