Christodoulides: ''Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots are the same''

Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots are the same, said Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides on Wednesday at the opening of Ümit İnatçı's art exhibition, “Universalis Spiritus,” in Nicosia. He noted that this principle has guided his efforts to reunite the island.

During his address at the event, President Christodoulides expressed his pleasure in participating in the opening of his dear friend and acclaimed Cypriot artist, Ümit İnatçı. He emphasized that İnatçı's work represents the values he cherishes as a sensitive soul with philosophical concerns about humanity, life, and our world. These values include solidarity, compassion, and brotherhood.

President Christodoulides recalled their long-standing friendship, which began during their time working together in London at the Cyprus High Commission. He served as the Consul General, while İnatçı was the Vice Consul General. Their friendship, built on this foundation, was rooted in their shared desire for the reunification of their country.

The President also mentioned how working with İnatçı allowed him to better understand the Turkish Cypriot community and their concerns. He acknowledged that the realization that "Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots are the same" became a guiding principle for him in his efforts to reunite the island as the President of the Republic of Cyprus.

Additionally, President Christodoulides praised İnatçı's pivotal role in the return of the keys of the church of Agios Georgios Exorinos in the Turkish-occupied part of Famagusta, which enabled Greek Cypriots to attend the Epitaph procession on Good Friday in 2014. He also commended İnatçı's ongoing efforts to return artworks to their rightful owners in Nicosia and other areas.

İnatçı expressed gratitude to President Christodoulides and all attendees at the opening, emphasizing his commitment to reconciliation, not only as an artist but also as an activist.

Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Despite multiple rounds of UN-led peace talks, no conclusive results have been achieved. The latest negotiations, held in July 2017 in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, ended without a resolution.