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President Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday that recent developments show “mobility” on the Cyprus issue but cautioned that not everything reported in a recent Independent article reflects reality.
Speaking to reporters during a memorial service for those who died during the 1974 coup, Christodoulides said Cyprus’ intensified diplomatic efforts are beginning to produce results, with the ultimate goal of returning to the negotiating table.
“New news is coming that proves the mobility in the Cyprus issue,” the president said, adding that further developments are expected in the coming days.
“There are several developments. In the coming days we will hear other news that will prove this mobility,” he said.
However, when asked about the recent 'Independent' report on the Cyprus issue, Christodoulides said: “Not everything mentioned in the article exists.”
“Mobility must lead to results”
The president stressed that the increased international attention surrounding Cyprus is not accidental but the result of months of “hard and methodical work.”
“We have worked very hard to achieve this mobility. We continue working so that it is transformed into concrete results,” he said.
For Christodoulides, the main objective remains the resumption of Cyprus talks from where they stopped, leading to a solution that is compatible with European Union principles, values, and law.
“The current situation does not represent the future of Cyprus,” he said, adding that the goal is a “functional and sustainable solution” that would reunite the island.
EU takes a more active role
The president highlighted the European Union’s involvement in the latest developments, saying Cyprus has been pushing from the beginning for a stronger EU role in efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem.
His comments came after his meeting in Paris with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who recently appointed European Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as her special representative for Cyprus.
Christodoulides described the meeting as “excellent” and said he was encouraged by the EU’s increased interest.
“For the first time, we see such interest from the European Union and a willingness to play a leading role,” he said.
He added that the appointment of an EU representative was significant because any future solution must be fully aligned with EU principles.
Brief exchange with Turkish foreign minister
The President also addressed a photograph showing him speaking with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Paris after Turkish media denied that any discussion took place.
Christodoulides clarified that there were no formal talks, but rather a brief exchange of views.
“I said there were no talks. There was a discussion. You can see it in the video. I did not imagine the discussion, nor the photograph. It is not an AI product,” he said.
He explained that the conversation took place in the context of recent moves by the United Nations Secretary-General and the European Union.
Turkey’s position will be judged at the negotiating table
Asked whether he was more optimistic about Turkey’s stance following von der Leyen’s recent contacts in Ankara, Christodoulides said Turkey’s real intentions would become clear only at the negotiating table.
“Turkey’s approach will be evident at the negotiating table, regardless of what I say or what I assess,” he said.
He added that he took two important messages from his meeting with the European Commission President.
The first was that any solution must be fully compatible with EU law, values and principles, a phrase he said von der Leyen used in discussions with him, Turkey and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The second was that any positive developments in EU-Turkey relations would require “substantial and specific” progress on the Cyprus issue.
European Union cannot be absent
Asked whether the EU should have a seat at a possible expanded Cyprus meeting, Christodoulides said the bloc could not be absent from discussions involving European decisions and member states.
“How can the European Union be absent when developments concern decisions of the European Union itself but also of member states?” he asked.
Commenting on reactions from the Turkish Cypriot side against the EU’s appointment of an envoy, he said he did not expect a different public response.
“What matters is the result,” he said, describing the appointment as an upgraded role because it involves a European Commission executive vice president.
Remembering 1974
The President made his comments during a memorial service honoring those who died during the 1974 coup, which paved the way for the Turkish invasion five days later.
“We are here to condemn the treacherous coup, for which there is absolutely no justification,” Christodoulides said.
“We are here to honor all those who sacrificed themselves so democracy could exist in this country and so the Republic of Cyprus could continue to exist. Our gratitude is eternal.”
He said the coup was used by Turkey as a pretext to pursue long-standing objectives and reiterated that the government’s efforts are focused on achieving a solution that would reunite Cyprus within the framework of the European Union.
