**Christodoulides, Mitsotakis Reaffirm Commitment to Cyprus Talks Ahead of UN Chief's Visit**
In a significant meeting held in Athens on Saturday, President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed their shared commitment to reviving settlement talks regarding the Cyprus issue. This reaffirmation comes just ahead of a planned visit to the island by UN Secretary-General António Guterres next week, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding the long-standing conflict.
Meeting at the Maximos Mansion, Mitsotakis emphasized Greece's unwavering support for Cyprus, stating that both nations would adhere strictly to the framework outlined by UN Security Council resolutions. “We fully support your initiatives for a meaningful resumption of negotiations, always within the framework of the United Nations Security Council resolutions,” he remarked, underscoring that this position is non-negotiable for both countries.
The timing of the meeting was described as particularly crucial, with Mitsotakis noting the current heightened tensions in the region and the renewed diplomatic activity concerning Cyprus. He pointed out that Guterres’ upcoming visit, which will be the first by a UN Secretary-General to Cyprus in nearly two decades, creates a sense of urgency for progress. “If real progress is to be made, now is the time to explore the possibilities,” Mitsotakis said, reiterating Greece's commitment to supporting Christodoulides in the forthcoming discussions.
In addition to the Cyprus issue, Mitsotakis highlighted the cooperation between Greece and Cyprus in civil protection efforts, mentioning Greece's recent deployment of firefighting aircraft to assist in combating wildfires in Spain, which have been affecting parts of southern Europe.
President Christodoulides reflected on the renewed international interest in the Cyprus issue, attributing it to the government's strategic actions and political will. He noted that the upcoming visit by Guterres and the increasing involvement of the European Union signify a shift in the diplomatic landscape. “The actions we have taken, the strategy we have followed and our political will have led to this international interest,” he stated, emphasizing that the Cyprus problem is increasingly recognized as a European issue. He cited the appointment of a European Commission executive vice-president as the EU's special representative for Cyprus as evidence of this growing engagement.
Christodoulides articulated his goal for Guterres' visit to yield tangible progress towards resuming negotiations, which have been stalled since the talks in Crans-Montana in 2017. “We have the political will and we have a clear plan,” he declared, expressing hope that after 52 years since the Turkish invasion and occupation, a path towards the reunification of Cyprus could be achieved.
Following their private discussions, Christodoulides and Mitsotakis expanded their talks to include members of their respective government delegations, further solidifying their collaborative approach to the Cyprus issue.
As the diplomatic landscape evolves, both leaders remain optimistic about the potential for renewed negotiations and the possibility of a resolution that addresses the complexities of the Cyprus situation. The upcoming visit by Guterres is anticipated to play a critical role in shaping the next steps in the ongoing dialogue.