Press Releases

“I cannot comprehend why would anyone not wish to simply talk,” the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, stated today, commenting on the Turkish Cypriot leader's rejection of a trilateral meeting between the leaders of the two communities and the personal envoy of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General for Cyprus, Ms María Angela Holguín Cuéllar.

In his statements upon arrival at the event celebrating Europe Day, held at the EU House, when asked to comment on the Turkish Cypriot leader’s statements, the President of the Republic of Cyprus stated: “I will not speak on behalf of Mr Tatar; I will speak on behalf of our side. I responded positively to Ms Holguín’s invitation, who is in Cyprus. An effort is underway which is not limited to Cyprus. We should let diplomacy do its work and hopefully there will be positive results. If we do not discuss, how will we see whether a prospect exists for a solution to the Cyprus problem? I cannot comprehend why would anyone not wish to simply talk. However, I reiterate, that I do not wish to anticipate developments, both out of respect for the work carried out by Ms Holguín as well as for all those who are trying to help us in this effort. Let us wait and see the outcome and thereon we will take a stand.”

Asked if Ms Holguín had informed him of any of her ideas and thoughts, the President of the Republic of Cyprus replied: “I had a long and constructive discussion with Ms Holguín. She mentioned some ideas, I did as well, and her efforts continue. I do not wish to comment on Mr Tatar’s specific statements. I do not believe that we will ever achieve progress on the Cyprus problem through public statements or communication tactics. Let us allow Ms Holguín to continue whilst she is here in Cyprus. The UN are trying and I wish to acknowledge that, as well as for the contacts which preceded her arrival to Cyprus which are also important. Efforts are being made, let us wait and see the final outcome, and then we will take a stand responsibly and comprehensively.”

When asked whether there were any contravening proposals, President Christodoulides stated: “There is no contravention. No one is asking for any interference to the agreed framework. Other than that, I cannot understand how someone cannot sit down at a table to discuss. The effort continues and I do not wish to anticipate the outcome. I have read the statements by Mr Tatar; they are not positive. I do not wish to comment. I do not wish to speak on behalf of Mr Tatar. I respect the effort that is underway and we are waiting to see the outcome.”

In answering a question about his expectations in relation to the Mitsotakis – Erdoğan meeting, the President of the Republic of Cyprus stated: “Of course I have expectations. Last night I had a telephone conversation with the Greek Prime Minister about this and it is a topic which always has a special interest. The Cyprus problem will definitely be amongst the issues which will be discussed, messages will be conveyed, especially from the Greek Prime Minister’s side. I am not aware of the Turkish President's intentions, and I hope that this meeting will help towards this direction.”

When asked whether he believes that, in the context of the Euro-Turkey relations, the European Union (EU) can be more effective than the UN, the President of the Republic of Cyprus replied: “The UN has set the framework. It is within this framework that all efforts are being conducted. It is within this framework that potential talks will be held. Therefore, the EU has all the necessary tools and means in order to act as the catalyst for the resumption of talks and for the comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

During the recent European Council, the EU had sent a very positive message to Turkey, following the positive contribution by the Republic of Cyprus, which was recognised; a message of readiness for positive developments. Whether these positive developments will grow into concrete actions, this is entirely up to Turkey.”

(GS/EP)