Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides stated that they will not engage in the polarized rhetoric used by some within their country for their own agendas.
When asked about UN Secretary-General envoy Maria Angela Olgin’s meetings with the foreign ministers of Turkey and Greece, President Christodoulides noted that he has not yet received an update. “Once we have more information, we will inform the Cypriot public,” he added, mentioning that they are in regular coordination with the Greek government, sharing common goals and objectives.
On the topic of the upcoming expanded (five-party) meeting in New York, he mentioned that certain dates in the last ten days of July have been proposed, and they are awaiting official invitations.
In response to a question about reports suggesting the Turkish Foreign Minister discussed property usurpation of Greek Cypriot land with Ms. Olgin, Christodoulides stated, “I cannot speculate on that. The focus of Ms. Olgin’s discussion should be on achieving positive outcomes at the upcoming meeting.”
He pointed out that their proactive measures have resulted in progress, including the Geneva meetings, and appointments of special envoys from both the UN and the EU.
Regarding the electoral environment in the occupied territories and the divisive rhetoric from Mr. Tatar, he emphasized that these factors are counterproductive. “We are committed to pursuing our goal of resuming negotiations, often working behind the scenes,” he explained.
President Christodoulides also noted that the electoral campaign in the occupied territories will likely result in increased polarizing rhetoric aimed at serving specific agendas. “We have a clear vision and objectives, and we will not engage in daily responses to Mr. Tatar’s statements,” he declared.
When asked about a report from the Turkish Cypriot media concerning British legislation that could allow direct flights to the occupied territories, he remarked, “I cannot comment on Turkish Cypriot media reports. The issue of direct flights is something some individuals are pursuing. The international community, notably Britain as a guarantor power and UN Security Council member, has consistently taken a stance on such matters.”
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