Messages are being conveyed from the Turkish side regarding the need for mobilization in the Cyprus conflict, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, said Friday, noting, though, that the Greek Cypriot side will have to see their realization in action through the substantial resumption of the negotiating talks.
Talking to journalists, before attending the reception of the Ambassador of France, for the country's national day, and asked if he had been informed about the contacts that European leaders had with the Turkish President, the President of the Republic said that he has been informed about most of the meetings, while he will also receive further information tomorrow by some European leaders.
He noted as important the fact that "our own initiative, our own effort to restart the talks has also led to mobilizing the international community, the messages have been conveyed to Mr. Erdogan. I also note the fact that Turkey is interested in reactivating its European perspective, something that also goes through the developments in the Cyprus issue".
President Christodoulides mentioned that he had talked about three milestones, the European Council Summit, the NATO Summit, and the upcoming UN General Assembly. "I hope we can reach what is the main issue for which we will not stop trying, the resumption of talks on the basis of the agreed framework", he noted.
In addition, the President noted that he also considers the Declaration of the UN Security Council important. "The fact that there was this clear position from the Security Council for the resumption of talks and for the appointment of an envoy, as well as for the form of solution to the Cyprus problem sends a message in all directions. Within this context, we will continue our efforts", he noted.
When asked if the information that Ankara seems to be open to the possibility of resuming negotiations is true, the President of the Republic said that "messages are being conveyed from the Turkish side regarding the need for mobilization in the Cyprus issue. We will see all this in practice through the actual resumption of talks", he said.
Asked if the conditions have been met for a meeting between himself and the UN Secretary-General and the Turkish Cypriot leader next September in New York, President Christodoulides said "at this stage I can speak about my readiness to participate in such a meeting".
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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency