Anastasiades to Nuland: Urge Turkish side to abandon two-state solution narrative

President Nicos Anastasiades on Thursday asked the assistance of US Undersecretary Victoria Nuland in persuading Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership to abandon the “unacceptable narrative” of a two-state solution in Cyprus and abstain from new provocations.

The President discussed the Cyprus problem with Nuland pointing out that, in light of the developments and changes observed in Europe, the effort to resume the negotiations towards a comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the Cyprus problem should be intensified, within the framework set by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

After stating that the Cyprus problem was a vital issue and an open wound for all Cypriots, he focused on the Confidence-Building Measures he proposed, aimed at both strengthening trust and cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and creating conditions for the resumption of negotiations, under the auspices of the UN.

According to Spokesman Marios Pelekanos, the President explained to Nuland that the two-state solution is an "unacceptable narrative" and contrary to any logic with regard to international law.  He asked her to urge Turkey to abstain from new provocations, either within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus or through the creation of new unacceptable faits accomplis in Varosha.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results.