**Next Days ‘Decisive’ for Cyprus Issue, Says President Christodoulides**
Nicosia, Cyprus – President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the importance of the upcoming days for the resolution of the Cyprus issue, following a meeting with UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin on Friday. Christodoulides expressed optimism that an expanded meeting could soon be announced, paving the way for the resumption of negotiations aimed at settling the long-standing division of the island.
During the meeting with Holguin, who is currently on a diplomatic tour that includes stops in Turkey, Greece, and Brussels, Christodoulides described their discussions as “very interesting.” He highlighted that efforts to address the Cyprus problem are ongoing, with Holguin expected to return to Cyprus after her meetings abroad.
The President noted that he had also discussed the Cyprus issue with European Council President Antonio Costa on Thursday. He is scheduled to meet Costa again next week in Brussels, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “We are working towards one and only goal, the convening of an expanded meeting, during which the resumption of negotiations will be announced,” Christodoulides stated.
While the President refrained from focusing on specific timelines, he emphasized the need to concentrate on the substance of the negotiations. When asked about concerns regarding Turkey’s recent escalated stance on the issue, Christodoulides mentioned that Holguin would address this matter during her discussions in Turkey on Monday.
The goal remains to resume talks from the point where they were left off in Crans Montana, a Swiss resort where previous negotiations took place. Christodoulides recalled that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in March, which initiated a renewed effort to tackle the Cyprus problem.
“If this effort does not bear fruit, then someone is to blame. But I will not go there. Neither will I become involved in nor do I hope that a blame game will emerge,” he remarked. Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism about reaching the goal of an expanded conference that would allow for the announcement of resumed talks.
In a bid to keep the political landscape unified, Christodoulides announced plans to convene the National Council on June 22, following his return from Brussels. He has invited all parliamentary party leaders to participate and has committed to keeping parties that are no longer represented in the House informed about developments. “We are at a crucial juncture; I want us to move collectively,” he asserted.
The ongoing discussions and diplomatic efforts signal a critical phase in the long-standing negotiations concerning the reunification of Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974. As the situation evolves, the international community will be closely monitoring the developments in the coming days.