**Title: Focus on Cyprus Solution ‘Not Holidays’, Averof Tells Christodoulides**
Former president of the Democratic Rally party (Disy), Averof Neophytou, has publicly criticized President Nikos Christodoulides regarding his approach to the ongoing Cyprus issue. In a social media post on Wednesday, Neophytou emphasized that the primary concern should be the advancement of a settlement rather than the president's personal plans for a summer holiday.
Neophytou's comments were a direct response to statements made by Christodoulides during a television interview on Ant1, where the president mentioned his decision to forgo a holiday in August to focus on the Cyprus problem. Neophytou contended that Christodoulides had misunderstood the gravity of the situation, stating, “You got the implication, Mr President, but you pretend not to understand. Not every issue is personal. The question is not whether you will take a holiday, but whether you will give the national issue indefinite leave.”
The former Disy leader expressed his willingness to support any sincere efforts aimed at advancing reunification talks, indicating that he would be more amenable to collaboration if the president made tangible progress. “If you go for the solution, I will be by your side. If not, you will have to reckon with history,” Neophytou asserted.
Neophytou's critique also highlighted the stagnation regarding the opening of new crossing points between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. He recalled that during a meeting in March 2025, Christodoulides had committed to opening four new crossing points, yet no agreements had been reached with the Turkish Cypriots in the year and a half since that commitment. “If for a year and a half you have not agreed with the Turkish Cypriots to open even one, how many more decades will it take for the refugees to return to their properties and for the Cyprus problem to be resolved?” he questioned.
This exchange comes in the wake of stalled discussions over new crossing points, which remained unresolved during the recent visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Cyprus. The proposal to open four new crossing points was part of an agreed framework established during an expanded Cyprus meeting in Geneva last year, where both sides were tasked with suggesting two locations each.
According to reports from the Cyprus Mail, the government has proposed opening only two crossing points initially, combining the Athienou to Aglandjia road with a crossing at Mia Milia, while postponing the Louroujina crossing for later consideration. This proposal was met with rejection from the Turkish Cypriot side, which insisted that all four crossing points should be opened simultaneously. They argued that breaking the package would undermine the negotiations and diminish the potential for future agreements.
The ongoing discussions reflect the complexities of the Cyprus issue, which has persisted for decades. The lack of progress on the opening of new crossing points, a measure seen as vital for fostering cooperation and trust between the two communities, underscores the challenges that lie ahead in the quest for a lasting resolution.
As the political landscape evolves, the emphasis on prioritizing the Cyprus problem over personal matters, as articulated by Neophytou, may resonate with many citizens who are eager for tangible advancements in the reunification process. The coming months will likely be critical in determining whether the current administration can navigate these challenges effectively and reinvigorate efforts towards a comprehensive solution to the longstanding division of the island.