**Papadopoulos: Confidence-Building Measures Not a Precondition for Cyprus Meeting**
In a statement following the National Council meeting on Wednesday, Nicholas Papadopoulos, the leader of the Democratic Party (Diko), clarified his party's stance regarding the ongoing discussions about the Cyprus problem. He asserted that the implementation of confidence-building measures between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities should not be viewed as a prerequisite for convening an enlarged international meeting on the issue.
Papadopoulos emphasized that the position of his party diverges from that of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who previously indicated that adequate preparations concerning confidence-building measures were essential before such a meeting could take place. Guterres had expressed the need for these measures during his visit to Cyprus in July, stating that they are crucial for improving the daily lives of all Cypriots.
"Our side’s position is that confidence-building measures are not a condition for an international conference to be held," Papadopoulos stated. He underscored the complexity of the Cyprus issue, which he believes extends beyond the interests of the two communities involved. According to him, the matter also encompasses significant factors such as Turkey's role, security concerns, the status of the occupying army, and the potential return of territory.
Papadopoulos also addressed the ongoing challenges posed by Turkey's stance on the negotiations. He noted that Turkey has been advocating for a shift in the negotiation framework towards a two-state solution, a proposal that he firmly rejected, stating that it is unacceptable "under any circumstances" for the Greek Cypriots.
Despite these challenges, Papadopoulos called for a constructive approach from his side, suggesting that they should continue to present proposals and suggestions aimed at highlighting the shortcomings of the opposing side. He expressed optimism that with the backing of the European Union, diplomatic pressure could be exerted on Turkey to facilitate the resumption of negotiations.
The discussion around confidence-building measures has been a focal point in the peace process, with varying interpretations of their necessity. In August, UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin had also characterized the implementation of these measures as an "indispensable condition" for any future enlarged meeting involving the two communities, their guarantor powers—Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom—and the United Nations.
As efforts continue to address the long-standing division of Cyprus, the differing perspectives on the role of confidence-building measures highlight the complexities of the negotiations and the need for a collaborative approach to achieve a resolution.