Greek Cypriot Side Seeks 5+1 Cyprus Meeting Asap

According to Fileleftheros, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said progress in the process would require Turkey to adopt a constructive and sincere approach. He noted that the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, is expected to hold meetings in Brussels before travelling to Cyprus for talks with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot President Tufan Erhürman.

Letymbiotis said Holguin is expected to review contacts held on the sidelines of the NATO summit and discuss the next steps in the process with both leaders.

He said the Greek Cypriot side's priority is to convene an informal 5+1 meeting under UN auspices, bringing together the two sides and the three guarantor powers—Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom. According to Letymbiotis, the meeting should not be held merely for the sake of dialogue, but to announce the resumption of Cyprus negotiations from where they previously ended and to relaunch efforts toward a comprehensive settlement.

Asked whether such a meeting could take place during the summer, Letymbiotis replied that it could be organised quickly if there is sufficient political will from all parties.

The spokesman also argued that the European Union should play a more active role in the negotiation process, saying the bloc has already made significant contributions that are recognised by all parties.

He said the Cyprus issue is not solely a matter for the Greek Cypriot side but also concerns the European Union.

Commenting on Turkey-EU relations, Letymbiotis claimed recent statements by European institutions indicate that progress in relations between Ankara and Brussels depends on developments in the Cyprus issue.

"If Turkey wants progress in its relations with the EU, it must adopt a constructive approach on Cyprus," he said.

According to the report, Letymbiotis also argued that the "Republic of Cyprus" is in a far stronger position today than it was in 1974, having strengthened its international standing through EU membership, expanded regional partnerships and become a contributor to stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.

He said the Greek Cypriot administration's objective remains a settlement that would see the withdrawal of foreign troops, the end of the guarantor system and a solution fully compatible with EU principles, adding that diplomatic efforts and international support would continue to be strengthened.