Christodoulides: NATO Membership Not Possible Now Due To Turkey’s Veto, But Public Support Growing

According to reports in the Greek Cypriot press, Christodoulides made the remarks during a discussion at the European Policy Centre, where he responded to questions regarding potential NATO membership.

He stated that joining NATO is not feasible at this stage because of Turkey’s position, claiming that Ankara would exercise its veto. However, he noted that the Greek Cypriot administration is continuing technical and operational preparations in order to be ready to submit an application once political conditions allow.

Christodoulides also said that the majority of Greek Cypriots now support NATO membership, marking a shift compared to previous years.

Addressing South Cyprus’ stance on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, he said the country does not maintain a neutral position but instead pursues a positive cooperation agenda with all states in the region. As an example, he pointed to what he described as excellent relations with both Israel and Palestine.

In this context, Christodoulides added that, if there is a positive response from the parties involved, South Cyprus could consider hosting a meeting between Israel and Lebanon.

He further stated that South Cyprus aims to act as a stabilizing factor and a bridge for dialogue in a highly critical geopolitical environment.

In separate remarks reported by Haravgi, Christodoulides argued that the European Union has the tools to demonstrate to Turkey—whom he described as holding the key to resolving the Cyprus issue—the benefits of a settlement.

He claimed that Ankara would only move toward a solution if it becomes convinced that the benefits of a resolution outweigh maintaining the current status quo.

Christodoulides also emphasized the need to initiate dialogue with the United Kingdom regarding the British bases in Cyprus once the crisis in the Middle East subsides, and called for a more active role for the European Union in the region.

He concluded by stating that a potential settlement could create a “win-win” outcome for Cyprus, Turkey, the European Union, NATO and the wider region.