Intensive preparations are continuing so that, during the week of the UN General Assembly, developments emerge that lead to the desired goal of announcing the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus problem, President Nikos Christodoulides said today.
US ties and defence cooperation
Speaking to journalists at the Agios Dometios Gymnasium, the President was asked whether the renewal of the US arms embargo waiver for Cyprus once again signalled strengthening ties between Washington and Nicosia. He said it was "a clear message about the relationship between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus, which continues to strengthen, particularly in the area of defence and security."
He added that, beyond the announcement made by the United States, several other programmes are under way, including projects to modernise infrastructure at the "Andreas Papandreou" Air Base, as well as ongoing talks with the US on the purchase of defence equipment. He noted that, for the first time, Cypriots are participating in US military academies, describing cooperation on defence and security issues as reaching an unprecedented level.
UN Secretary-General's call with envoy
Asked whether he had any update on a phone call expected on 10 September between the UN Secretary-General and his personal envoy on the Cyprus problem, Maria Angela Holguín, the President confirmed that the call had taken place. He said an initial briefing had been received, but that he would not disclose the content of the discussion between the Secretary-General and Holguín.
"What I can tell you is that preparations are continuing, intensive preparations. There is also a meeting of the negotiators today, so that during the week of the General Assembly, which will be next week, some results emerge that lead to the desired goal, which is the announcement of the resumption of negotiations," he said.
