"We have chosen the path to a solution, and we are determined to see it through to the end," Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Friday after a meeting of the National Council, expressing hope for "genuine political will of the same kind from the other side too." He added that this is the moment for everyone to rise to the occasion and offer practical support to the UN Secretary-General himself, as well as to the terms of his mandate.
Briefing ahead of the Guterres visit
Speaking after the National Council meeting, which lasted around two and a half hours, Letymbiotis said President Nikos Christodoulides had briefed members on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and on diplomatic consultations, with an "extensive" exchange of views ahead of the upcoming visit by the UN Secretary-General, described as "the first visit by a UN Secretary-General here in 16 years."
He called it a visit of "high importance and high symbolism," both for the value of the contacts involved and for the actions the Secretary-General is working toward, namely convening an expanded conference that would lead to the resumption of substantive negotiations from the point where they were suspended at Crans-Montana in 2017.
Letymbiotis said the meeting had once again demonstrated the importance of the National Council as the institutional forum for collectively assessing developments on Cyprus's foremost national issue. He said he hoped momentum would increase further in the period ahead, adding that such moments demand unity, which he clarified does not mean uniformity of views, but responsibility, composure and a shared awareness of historical responsibility.
The Secretary-General's personal involvement
Letymbiotis said it had been acknowledged that António Guterres is personally investing time and institutional weight in the effort to restart the process, which he said shows Guterres sees genuine prospects in the initiative he launched last March. He also referred to Nicosia's own initiatives and to the more active involvement of the European Union, highlighting the appointment of Raffaele Fitto as a significant development.
The Government Spokesman stressed that the Greek Cypriot side does not underestimate the difficulties, nor Turkey's intransigence in recent years. He added, however, that the Republic of Cyprus approaches contacts with clear positions, well-documented views and genuine political will, which he said supports the Secretary-General's efforts.
Letymbiotis said the government awaits with particular interest the Secretary-General's assessment following his own contacts and those of his personal envoy, María Ángela Holguín. He noted that Holguín was in Ankara on Friday for a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, which he said is expected to help shape the next steps.
Resuming negotiations remains an unwavering goal
The Government Spokesman reiterated that the goal remains the resumption of substantive negotiations from the point where they were suspended at Crans-Montana. He said the settlement being pursued remains a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, based on UN Security Council resolutions, with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international personality.
"Our political will is declared and proven. Now it is the other side's moment to abandon its intransigent stance," Letymbiotis said, adding: "We have chosen the path to a solution, and we are determined to see it through to the end. What we hope for is genuine political will of the same kind from the other side too."
Asked about Holguín's contacts, the Spokesman reiterated that the goal remains convening an expanded conference that would serve as the springboard for resuming negotiations. "We are ready to attend this expanded conference even tomorrow," he said.
Coordination with Greece, greater EU role
Referring to the president's planned meeting with the Greek Prime Minister, Letymbiotis said the necessary coordination would take place ahead of the Guterres visit. He also said a visit by the European Union's envoy for the Cyprus problem is expected in the period ahead, who will meet with the president.
The Government Spokesman stressed that the gravity of the moment requires everyone to rise to the occasion and respect the terms of the Secretary-General's mandate, which derive from Security Council resolutions. He added that everyone will be judged both by their genuine political will and by history.
According to CNA, during the National Council meeting, party leaders voiced broad concern over which bodies have been included in the UN Secretary-General's meetings with civil society during his visit to Cyprus. According to the same sources, the question was raised as to why political parties, refugee organisations and the Committee of Occupied Municipalities are not taking part, an issue that was reportedly also raised with the Secretary-General's personal envoy, María Ángela Holguín, at an earlier stage.
Source: CNA
