**Title: Michaelides Urges Greek Cypriots to Highlight Turkey's Role in Crossing Point Stalemate**
**Date: [Insert Date]**
**Location: Nicosia, Cyprus**
Odysseas Michaelides, leader of the political party Alma, addressed the media following a National Council meeting on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for the Greek Cypriot side to clarify to the international community that Turkey bears responsibility for the ongoing impasse regarding the potential opening of new crossing points in Cyprus.
Michaelides articulated concerns that the prevailing narrative suggests the Greek Cypriot side is to blame for the lack of progress in negotiations. He urged the Greek Cypriot leadership to actively work against this perception, asserting that Turkey is the primary obstacle to advancement in discussions about new crossing points.
"The international community is not convinced that Turkey is the main culprit for the lack of progress," Michaelides stated. He highlighted the necessity for the Greek Cypriot side to demonstrate that it is willing to negotiate and take action, particularly regarding the proposed opening of a crossing point in the eastern Nicosia suburb of Mia Milia, a request made by the Turkish Cypriot side since 2023.
Michaelides suggested that the Greek Cypriot side should be open to negotiations based on an agreed framework, rather than the current approach, which he believes is counterproductive. He noted that while there are efforts to break the deadlock, he remains skeptical about the potential for meaningful progress in the near future.
"The state of affairs regarding the Cyprus problem is tragic," he remarked, expressing doubts about the effectiveness of ongoing diplomatic efforts. Michaelides indicated that he believes the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, will leave his position without having made significant strides toward resolving the Cyprus issue. "Our assessment is that Turkey will achieve its goal, and Guterres will hand over to his successor a blank piece of paper," he said.
He further elaborated on the challenges that the next UN Secretary-General may face, suggesting that they may be hesitant to engage with the Cyprus problem due to the lack of progress achieved during Guterres' tenure. Michaelides pointed out that Guterres had a unique understanding of the issue, being well-versed in the complexities of the Cyprus situation and maintaining strong relations with EU leaders, yet still failed to facilitate substantial advancements.
"This is tragic because it will be much more difficult from January onwards to convince the international community to re-engage with the Cyprus issue," he added, noting that such a scenario would ultimately benefit Turkey.
Michaelides concluded his remarks by reiterating the importance of the Greek Cypriot side exhausting all possible avenues to break the current deadlock, while simultaneously preparing for future developments in the ongoing Cyprus negotiations.
The situation surrounding the potential opening of new crossing points remains a sensitive and pivotal issue in the ongoing discussions between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, with both sides seeking a resolution that addresses their respective concerns and aspirations.