Stefanu: Time Is Not Working In Favour Of A Solution To The Cyprus Issue

According to Haravgi newspaper, Stefanu made the remarks during a parliamentary session marking the start of discussions on the 2026 state budget. He said the stagnation and lack of progress in the Cyprus issue contribute nothing to resolving the problem, stressing that time is not operating in favour of a settlement.

Stefanu claimed that the persistence of the status quo serves Turkey’s goals, alleging that Ankara is exploiting the impasse to create faits accomplis and to further entrench the island’s de facto division. He argued that the continuation of what he described as the occupation and the consolidation of division constitute the primary source of danger for Cyprus.

Referring to regional and international developments, as well as conflicts that are currently considered “frozen”, Stefanu said there is no luxury of ignoring these risks or leaving them as a burden for future generations. He noted that issues left unresolved for long periods deprive the country of important opportunities.

He maintained that a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue, alongside the normalisation of relations with Turkey, could open up prospects in key policy areas and broader developments. For AKEL, he said, the current situation is not an option.

Stefanu reiterated that efforts towards a solution based on political equality and a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation must not be abandoned, but pursued patiently and consistently. He added that the Greek Cypriot side should actively support initiatives aimed at the resumption of negotiations.

Highlighting the importance of consensus, Stefanu said that existing negotiation achievements must be safeguarded and the Guterres framework properly utilised. Emphasising that resolving the Cyprus issue remains AKEL’s top priority, he said the party is ready to support any substantive initiative aimed at ending the status quo.