Christodoulides: We Will Not Accept Two-State Solution
Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides said the Greek Cypriot side would not accept a two-state solution or a confederation model, declaring that he would not become "the president of partition."
Speaking at an event at the Presidential Palace marking the anniversaries of the July 15, 1974 coup and the July 20, 1974 Peace Operation, Christodoulides described the continuity of the Republic of Cyprus as an "absolute red line."
He said resolving the Cyprus issue was his "life mission" but stressed that he would not sign any agreement that was not functional, sustainable and capable of enduring over time.
Referring to the events of 1974, Christodoulides claimed Turkey's military intervention caused widespread destruction and suffering, leaving thousands dead, displaced and missing. He argued that a settlement should be based on UN parameters and the EU acquis, saying that "justice cannot emerge from illegality."
Christodoulides said his administration had undertaken a series of initiatives to revive the Cyprus issue despite the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, adding that international attention to Cyprus had been restored after years of stagnation since 2017.
He also referred to UN Secretary-General António Guterres' planned July 27-29 visit to Cyprus and the appointment of European Commission Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as the EU's Special Representative for Cyprus. According to Christodoulides, it is now widely recognised that progress in EU-Turkey relations depends on tangible developments in the Cyprus issue.
Claiming that Ankara should abandon what he described as "outdated approaches," Christodoulides argued that such a move would pave the way for a solution benefiting all sides. He also described Cyprus as the common homeland of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
Addressing displaced persons, families of those killed or missing, veterans and others affected by the events of 1974, Christodoulides said their resilience inspired him. As the first Greek Cypriot leader from the post-war generation, he said he carried the responsibility of leaving a freer country to future generations.
He also thanked Greece and its political leadership for their support on the Cyprus issue and paid tribute to the Greek soldiers who fought in Cyprus.
Concluding his remarks, Christodoulides said the coming period would present serious challenges and called for unity in facing them.
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