Cyprus Talks Must Signal Restart: Letimbiotis

His remarks came as statements and commentary on the Cyprus problem continue to feature prominently in the Greek Cypriot press following the arrival of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguín.

Speaking at a conference of the World Coordinating Committee for the Cyprus Struggle (PSEKA), which represents the diaspora, Letimbiotis said the Greek Cypriot side does not seek a mere procedural gathering, but one that would pave the way for the formal restart of talks.

He said such a development would be possible if the Turkish Cypriot side demonstrated a similar political will, adding that UN Secretary-General António Guterres had already presented a new initiative in March, with contacts continuing at various levels since then.

Letimbiotis noted that an expanded conference is expected to take place in late July or early August.

He also addressed EU-Turkey relations, arguing that progress in ties with the European Union is linked to developments in the Cyprus issue, while reiterating that “Cyprus is Europe and Europe is Cyprus.”

He added that the priority of Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides remains the Cyprus problem, alongside strengthening international partnerships, including relations with the United States, which he said are at their highest level.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party (DIKO) expressed support for efforts aimed at restarting negotiations, while stressing that any expanded conference should focus on the substance of the Cyprus problem rather than confidence-building measures.

Separately, Fileleftheros newspaper alleged that Turkey seeks to leverage the Cyprus issue in order to advance its interests in relations with the European Union, particularly in areas such as visa liberalisation, customs union modernisation, and participation in EU programmes.