President Nikos Christodoulides will address the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday at 7pm Cyprus time, setting out the Greek Cypriot side’s position on efforts to resume negotiations on the Cyprus issue.
His speech is also expected to respond directly to statements made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during his own General Assembly address, including his call for the international community to recognise the breakaway administration in the north.
Cyprus talks and political will
From the UN podium, Christodoulides is expected to focus on continuing efforts to create the conditions for the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus issue.
He will also stress what the government describes as the Greek Cypriot side’s political will to return to substantive talks.
Response to Erdoğan
Christodoulides is expected to respond to Erdoğan’s statements at the General Assembly, particularly the Turkish president’s renewed call for international recognition of the north.
The president will also raise the 1974 Turkish invasion and continuing occupation, as well as what the government describes as attempts by the administration in the north to create tensions and new faits accomplis on the island.
Cyprus’ role in Eastern Mediterranean
Christodoulides is also expected to highlight the Republic of Cyprus’ position as a European Union member state in the Eastern Mediterranean and its role in the wider region.
His address will be broadcast live on RIK 1, as part of a special current affairs programme beginning at 6.30pm.
Source: RIK
