Cyprus President Says He Is Ready for Compromises That Serve Reunification Goal
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has rejected Turkey’s support for a two-state solution in Cyprus, saying reunification remains the sole objective of his government.
In a televised address marking the 66th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus, Christodoulides said his government would continue efforts to restart negotiations while remaining committed to the agreed framework for resolving the Cyprus issue.
Christodoulides Rejects Two-State Solution
The Cypriot president criticized Turkey’s position in favor of a two-state solution, saying it does not contribute to meaningful progress toward resolving the decades-long division of the island.
He said his government remains focused on returning to the negotiating table on the basis of the agreed framework, previous negotiations, United Nations decisions and European Union principles.
Christodoulides said he is prepared to make compromises that serve the goal of ending the occupation and reunifying Cyprus, but rejected moves that would merely create the appearance of progress.
Reunification Remains Sole Objective
Christodoulides said reunification remains the sole objective of his policy on the Cyprus issue.
He described his goal as a solution that would transform the Republic of Cyprus into a modern and sovereign state exercising authority throughout its territory, without Turkish occupying troops or guarantor powers holding intervention rights.
He also said all lawful citizens should enjoy equal rights in a reunified Cyprus that would serve as a common homeland for Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins.
Ending Occupation a Priority
The President described the continuing occupation as a major threat to Cyprus’ security and future, saying that ending it remains his top priority. He stressed that Cyprus would continue strengthening its National Guard and deterrent capabilities, a policy he described as non-negotiable, while emphasizing that the Republic is not acting against any country but has the right to defend itself against existing security threats.
Despite the continued division of the island, Christodoulides expressed confidence that a settlement remains possible, reiterating his goal of a free, reunified and secure Cyprus where citizens can live without exclusion or discrimination.
Cyprus Talks Remain Focused on the Existing Framework
The comments come as efforts continue to restart formal negotiations on the Cyprus problem.
On September 26, the Presidency reported that Christodoulides said the negotiating acquis and the basis for a Cyprus settlement would not change.
Speaking to the Cypriot diaspora in New York, he said UN Secretary-General António Guterres would continue working toward concrete progress and the resumption of talks.
Christodoulides also said that the five permanent members of the UN Security Council had confirmed that the basis of the Cyprus negotiations and the negotiating acquis would remain in place.
The issue had also been discussed earlier in September. On September 4, Christodoulides said Cyprus was ready to participate in an expanded conference.
He said such a conference could announce the resumption of negotiations from where they had previously stopped, while preserving the negotiating acquis.
A Renewed Push to End the Stalemate
The Cypriot government has continued to describe an end to the long-standing stalemate as a priority.
Following a September 30 meeting of the National Council, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said Christodoulides had held several meetings with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman in August and September.
The discussions covered confidence-building measures, as well as the methodology and substance of the Cyprus problem.
Letymbiotis also stressed that the negotiating acquis would not be lost. He said progress in negotiations requires participation from both sides.
Christodoulides’ latest message therefore combines two elements: a stated willingness to make concessions in pursuit of reunification and a refusal, in his words, to accept “artificial progress” in the talks.
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