Newsroom
Cyprus’ political leaders will gather Monday to begin preparing the ground for expanded talks on the Cyprus problem, following a renewed push by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres during his visit to the island last week.
President Nikos Christodoulides will chair the National Council meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. He will brief party leaders on the latest developments and what emerged from Guterres’ meetings in Cyprus.
The council will also discuss the visit of Rafael Fito, the European Union’s newly appointed special representative for the Cyprus problem.
Guterres called for an expanded conference involving the parties to the Cyprus problem but stressed that it would need to be properly prepared if it is to have a realistic chance of success.
That preparation has already started behind the scenes. Christodoulides said Saturday that Cyprus and the United Nations are working together at a technical level to build the foundations for the meeting.
The work will continue throughout August, with officials expected to focus on the issues, conditions, and arrangements needed before the parties can sit around the same table.
Monday’s National Council meeting gives Cyprus’ political leadership an opportunity to discuss the government’s next steps and the position the Greek Cypriot side will take as preparations move forward.
For people who have watched peace efforts begin and stall many times before, the real test will be whether this latest round of diplomatic activity can lead to meaningful negotiations and not simply another meeting without a result.
