**Christodoulides ‘Fully Prepared’ for Expanded Cyprus Talks**
President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus has expressed his readiness to engage in expanded negotiations regarding the ongoing Cyprus problem. Speaking on Thursday, he emphasized that he is prepared for bilateral, trilateral, or broader discussions whenever the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres deems the conditions suitable.
Christodoulides made these statements ahead of his upcoming talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman. He indicated that he would present around 19 specific points during the discussions, which will focus on methodology and confidence-building measures. "I hope for positive results. The coming week is critical," he noted.
In preparation for these talks, Christodoulides confirmed that he had a phone conversation with Raffaele Fitto, the EU's special envoy for the Cyprus problem. He also mentioned plans to meet with UN Under Secretary General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo during his initial days in New York.
The President reiterated his commitment to participate in discussions that could take place in various formats, including bilateral, trilateral, or expanded meetings. He emphasized that the Republic of Cyprus is ready to engage in an expanded conference "whether this week, next week, or at any other time," provided that there is political will from all parties involved.
Christodoulides responded to inquiries regarding the UN Secretary-General's recent announcement that ruled out a tripartite or expanded conference during the General Assembly week. He dismissed the notion that this decision would limit his negotiating position, pointing out that Guterres has a busy schedule with approximately 186 bilateral meetings planned with heads of delegation during the assembly week. "If we need to stay in New York, we will stay on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or we can return in October or even go to Geneva," he said.
The President’s comments followed Guterres's remarks on Wednesday night, where he acknowledged that there is still much work to be done regarding the Cyprus issue. He stressed the importance of preparing any future meetings in a manner that fosters "real prospects for an outcome" and cautioned against repeating past mistakes.
Guterres reaffirmed the UN's commitment to advancing the Cyprus problem, stating, "We are determined to move things forward and we are determined to do everything possible to make this happen when the conditions are met for the meeting to be successful."
The discussions between Christodoulides and Erhurman are part of a series of preparatory talks. Earlier in the week, Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou met with Turkish Cypriot representative Mehmet Dana at the United Nations offices located at the former Nicosia airport. This meeting was the final session before the upcoming UN General Assembly, which is set to commence on September 28.
As the situation develops, both leaders are expected to navigate complex issues surrounding citizenship and mixed marriages, particularly concerning children born to Turkish Cypriots married to Turkish settlers. Christodoulides clarified that the Republic applies consistent citizenship rules to all applicants, regardless of their background, and that these regulations are subject to EU oversight.
With the international community closely monitoring the situation, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the future of negotiations surrounding the Cyprus problem. Christodoulides's readiness to engage in expanded talks reflects a proactive approach to finding a resolution to the longstanding division of the island.