**Title: Annita: Guterres’ Visit Keeps Prospect of Resuming Negotiations Open**
House President Annita Demetriou expressed optimism on Wednesday regarding the potential for renewed negotiations on the Cyprus issue, following United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' announcement of plans for a new enlarged meeting. This announcement came after a tripartite meeting involving President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman.
Demetriou stated that Guterres’ intention to hold the meeting “keeps the process and the prospect of resuming substantive negotiations open.” While she acknowledged that no significant developments had occurred, nor had a date been set for the enlarged five-plus-one meeting, she emphasized the importance of continuing to build on the convergences already achieved.
“The current juncture demands seriousness, responsibility, and, above all, focus, so as to achieve the necessary progress which the secretary-general expects,” Demetriou remarked. She affirmed that her political party, the Democratic Rally (Disy), would maintain a constructive approach towards any genuine efforts aimed at resuming substantive negotiations. She underscored the necessity for these discussions to occur within the agreed United Nations framework and in alignment with the principles and values of the European Union.
Guterres had previously indicated that the enlarged meeting on the Cyprus problem would take place “after adequate progress” is made concerning confidence-building measures, the methodology of the meeting, and the substantive issues at hand. He noted that his envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, has been actively engaging with the parties involved and is building upon past UN efforts while also taking into account the perspectives shared by Cypriots.
In his remarks, Guterres highlighted the importance of listening to the voices of the Cypriot people, stating that their message was clear: they desire progress and wish to see their leaders make compromises. He emphasized the need for a future characterized by cooperation, opportunity, and peace, rather than division.
Both Erhurman and Christodoulides assured Guterres of their commitment to work earnestly with Holguin in the lead-up to the enlarged meeting. Guterres indicated that prior to this gathering, consultations would take place with both sides and the guarantors to establish the conditions necessary for the meeting's success.
As the situation develops, the focus remains on fostering an environment conducive to meaningful dialogue and negotiation, with the hope of ultimately resolving the long-standing Cyprus issue.