**President ‘Does Not Downplay’ Turkish FM’s Remarks on Two-State Solution**
President Nikos Christodoulides addressed recent comments made by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan regarding the Cyprus problem, stating that he “does not downplay or underestimate” the significance of these remarks. The president spoke to journalists in Limassol on Monday, following Fidan's meeting with Maria Angela Holguin, the UN secretary-general’s personal envoy.
During the meeting, Fidan reportedly reiterated Turkey's support for a two-state solution, describing it as a more “realistic option” for resolving the longstanding Cyprus issue. Christodoulides acknowledged being briefed on the developments through Holguin and emphasized the importance of maintaining a dialogue within the established UN framework. He refrained from disclosing specific details of the discussions but reiterated that the United Nations would not pursue initiatives outside the UN Charter, particularly at a time when international law is under scrutiny.
“The UN initiative is moving in a specific direction, a direction that the secretary-general himself has given and we are continuing this effort,” Christodoulides stated, affirming that the ongoing efforts to address the Cyprus issue are aligned with the guidelines set forth by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Fidan's comments during his meeting in Ankara suggested that the “most realistic solution” to the Cyprus problem is to maintain the current status quo, which he defined as two separate states on the island. Turkish foreign ministry sources indicated that Fidan stressed the necessity of recognizing what Turkey calls the “sovereign equality” and “equal international status” of Turkish Cypriots, arguing that any negotiation process must reflect “realities on the ground.”
Holguin's meetings in Turkey are part of a broader series of discussions leading up to a potential enlarged conference on the Cyprus issue. This conference is expected to involve both Cypriot sides, the three guarantor powers—Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom—and the United Nations. Plans for this meeting are anticipated to take place by early August.
President Christodoulides highlighted his ongoing communication with Holguin regarding her discussions with all relevant parties, including Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman. While he chose not to reveal the content of these exchanges, he emphasized the necessity of continued diplomatic engagement under UN auspices.
“I will repeat what I have said before,” Christodoulides remarked. “At the end of the day, we will all be judged by our positions and the final outcome.”
Holguin has recently wrapped up meetings in both Cyprus and Turkey and is expected to continue her consultations in Brussels, as well as with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, before returning to Cyprus for further discussions later this month. UN officials have indicated that preparations for the enlarged meeting are ongoing, aimed at assessing the conditions for potentially resuming formal negotiations on the Cyprus problem.
As the situation develops, the international community remains watchful of the diplomatic efforts surrounding the Cyprus issue, which has been a point of contention for decades. The upcoming discussions will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of relations between the two communities on the island and the role of external powers in facilitating a resolution.