Christodoulides Predicts New Developments In Cyprus Talks

Speaking to reporters after a memorial service for those killed during the 15 July 1974 Greek-backed coup, Christodoulides rejected claims published by the Independent newspaper that UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy Maria Angela Holguin is drafting a new settlement proposal.

"None of what is described in the report exists," he said.

Christodoulides said the coming days would bring developments demonstrating renewed momentum in the Cyprus process, reiterating that his objective remains the resumption of negotiations from where they were suspended.

Referring to his recent meeting in Paris with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he described the appointment of European Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as the EU's Special Representative for Cyprus as an important development.

He said Fitto's appointment would be followed by further developments in the Cyprus issue and stressed that any future settlement must be fully compatible with the European Union's principles, values and legal framework.

Christodoulides also said the EU is prepared to play a more active role in the peace process than ever before, repeating his expectation of "a busy summer" for Cyprus diplomacy.

He added that the timing of von der Leyen's announcement on Fitto's appointment was not coincidental.

Asked about a possible date for an expanded informal conference on Cyprus, Christodoulides said any announcements would be made by the parties involved in the process.

He also argued that the EU should play a more active role in any expanded conference, noting that Turkey seeks progress in its relations with the European Union and that the bloc's presence at the negotiating table would therefore be unavoidable.

Commenting on criticism from the TRNC Foreign Ministry over the appointment of the EU special representative, Christodoulides said he had expected such a reaction, adding that what matters most is the outcome of the process. He said Fitto's appointment in his capacity as Executive Vice-President of the European Commission demonstrates the increased importance the EU attaches to the Cyprus issue.