President Christodoulides said Sunday the government is directing diplomatic efforts towards Turkey regarding five Greek Cypriots illegally detained in the occupied north.
Speaking to media on the sidelines of an event in Milikouri, Christodoulides confirmed that messages have been sent to the White House and US senators as part of broader international outreach efforts to secure the detainees’ release.
“Our efforts regarding the illegal detention of five Greek Cypriots in the occupied areas are focused towards Turkey,” Christodoulides stated. He emphasised that Turkey, which illegally occupies territory of the Republic of Cyprus, bears responsibility for the detentions through either direct instructions or consent.
UN envoy visit precedes General Assembly meeting
The president welcomed the upcoming visit of UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy for Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín, scheduled for next week ahead of the UN General Assembly.
“I consider it particularly important that Ms Holguín will visit Cyprus before the UN General Assembly, where, as you know, there will be a meeting with the UN Secretary-General and the Turkish Cypriot leader on the sidelines,” Christodoulides said.
Despite Holguín’s need to postpone the visit for personal reasons, her arrival demonstrates “the Secretary-General’s political will for positive developments,” the president noted. He said Cyprus is prepared for the meeting with “specific ideas” for implementing agreed measures and resuming negotiations.
Council of Europe secretary-general arrives Monday
Christodoulides highlighted the significance of Monday’s arrival of the Council of Europe Secretary-General, particularly given the ongoing illegal detention of the five Cypriots.
“We are already in contact on this specific issue, but tomorrow is an opportunity to discuss even more specifically, following other actions we are taking in various directions, hoping that this illegal, piratical act will end as soon as possible,” he said.
When asked whether the provocations from the illegal regime could affect optimism for the UN Secretary-General meeting, Christodoulides acknowledged the challenging environment but emphasised Cyprus’s commitment to progress.
“Certainly it does not create the necessary environment we would like to have, but at the same time we know very well that the data on the Cyprus issue was never easy,” he said. “We are here to do whatever is possible, precisely because for us the present state of affairs cannot constitute the future of the Cyprus issue.”
The president confirmed diplomatic outreach extends beyond bilateral US contacts to include messages sent “in various directions” in hopes of achieving results.
Read more: