**Title: Christodoulides: Cyprus Talks Not at a Deadlock**
**Nicosia, Cyprus** – President Nikos Christodoulides reaffirmed on Tuesday that the ongoing efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem are not at a deadlock, despite the recognition of existing difficulties in restarting negotiations. Speaking upon his arrival at the Cyprus Forum, Christodoulides addressed concerns raised by UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, regarding the diminishing opportunity for progress on the Cyprus issue.
“We do not overlook any of the difficulties and challenges in the Cyprus problem, but under no circumstances are we at a deadlock,” Christodoulides asserted. His comments come in response to Holguin’s remarks that the favorable conditions for resolving the longstanding division of the island were gradually eroding.
The President emphasized that he finds the notion of a deadlock to be unfounded. “I don’t know where they get their information from. We are certainly not at a deadlock,” he stated, indicating his intention to provide a detailed briefing to members of the National Council the following day. This briefing is expected to shed more light on the current status of negotiations.
Christodoulides highlighted the commitment of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to revive discussions aimed at resolving the Cyprus issue. He noted that the Greek Cypriot side is actively supporting Guterres’ efforts by proposing specific ideas related to negotiation methodology, substantive issues, and confidence-building measures. These proposals, according to Christodoulides, have been positively received by the UN chief.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by the Turkish side’s preference for a two-state solution, the President reiterated that the situation should not be characterized as a deadlock. “We are working. There are problems, there are difficulties, there are challenges. We are working so that we can achieve the goal of reunification,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Christodoulides mentioned that Holguin is scheduled to visit Cyprus soon, which he views as a critical step in the ongoing efforts to resume negotiations. He also noted the active involvement of the European Union, particularly through its special envoy for Cyprus, Johannes Hahn, who is engaged in discussions related to Turkey. “The European Union plays an important role. It was an issue discussed between the Secretary-General and the president of the [European] Commission and the president of the [European] Council,” he explained.
The President expressed optimism that meetings would soon occur between European Union officials and their Turkish counterparts, which could facilitate further dialogue on the Cyprus issue. He reiterated that while there are significant challenges, particularly concerning Turkey's stance on a two-state solution, the Greek Cypriot side is committed to taking concrete actions rather than merely making statements.
Christodoulides concluded by emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to achieve meaningful developments in the negotiations. “We are working so that we have developments,” he said, reinforcing his belief that progress can still be made despite the complexities involved.
As the situation continues to evolve, the upcoming visit by Holguin and the engagement of EU officials are expected to play pivotal roles in shaping the next steps in the quest for a resolution to the Cyprus problem.