The Turkish side’s negative stance was reaffirmed in New York as well, where the President of the Republic presented the United Nations Secretary-General with several new ideas that could pave the way for the resumption of negotiations, but there was no response from the Turkish side, Deputy Government Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou said on Sunday.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Republic at the national memorial service for the heroes of the Kelokedara community in Paphos, Mr. Antoniou emphasized that this development does not mark the end of the road. ““We certainly cannot abandon our efforts, because inaction plays into the Turkish narrative of the existence of two states and the idea that a solution based on the agreed framework cannot be achieved,” he said.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“Such a thing is unacceptable, not only to us, but also to the international community,” he added, noting that the President of the Republic conveyed from the UN headquarters the assurance that the basis for a solution to the Cyprus problem and the negotiating achievements will not be lost with the change in leadership of the international organization.
Referring to the ongoing occupation, he emphasized that the Republic of Cyprus will not accept or legitimize the consequences of the invasion, noting that “breaking free from the shackles of occupation, the liberation, and the reunification of our homeland are our top priority.”
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At the same time, she affirmed that the basis for a solution to the Cyprus problem and the negotiating acquis remain unchanged, while she described as her vision the “the transformation of the Republic of Cyprus into a normal state, truly free throughout its entire territory, without an occupying army, without guarantor states possessing unilateral rights of intervention.”
In his commemorative address, Mr. Antoniou emphasized that “the sacrifice of those we commemorate today, as well as that of all the men and women who have fallen over the years in the cause of freedom, independence, and the territorial integrity of our homeland, will be vindicated only with the end of the occupation, the liberation, and the reunification of the Republic of Cyprus.”
Referring to the heroes of the Kelokedara community, Mr. Antoniou honored the memory of Panagiotis Diomedes, Kostas Georgios Fotiou, paratrooper Pantelis Pouros and his mother Antigone Pourou, driver Pavlos Herakleous and Colonel Andreas Arestis, as well as the 58 sons and daughters of the community who served on various fronts during World War II.
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He made special mention of the two men from Kelokedari who gave their lives during World War II, Alexandros Chrysostomou and Kostas Dimitris.
In closing, Mr. Antoniou emphasized that the State draws strength from the sacrifices and resilience of previous generations, stressing the need to preserve historical memory and remain committed to the goal of freedom.
“We draw strength from the inexhaustible reserves of our people and return to our roots, to our roots, to our grandfathers and grandmothers, who, despite their hardships, remained steadfast and found the strength to rebuild their lives from the ruins,” he said.
The presence of the President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides, in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly was accompanied by meetings with the UN Secretary-General, his personal envoy, heads of state and government, heads of organizations and multinational companies,… pic.twitter.com/Azpl7ny2bw
— Cyprus Presidency (@CYpresidency) September 27, 2026
Presidency: Basis for a solution—negotiating framework remain unchanged
In New York, it was reaffirmed that the basis for a solution and the negotiating framework remain unchanged, according to a post on the Twitter account of the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus. It is also noted that regarding the Cyprus issue, the proposals submitted by the President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides, “were positively received by the UN Secretary-General.”
A video accompanying the post on the Presidency’s account provides an assessment of President Christodoulides’ visit in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, noting that the President held meetings with the UN Secretary-General, his Personal Envoy, heads of state and government, heads of organizations and multinational corporations, as well as members of the Cypriot diaspora.
From the rostrum of the General Assembly, it adds, the Republic of Cyprus highlighted the importance of multilateralism, international law, the United Nations Charter, regional cooperation, and the strengthening of its strategic relationships. “On the Cyprus issue, the proposals submitted on matters of substance, methodology, and the terms of reference were positively received by the UN Secretary-General, and it was reaffirmed that the basis for a solution and the negotiating acquis remain unchanged, with the reunification of Cyprus based on the agreed framework remaining the top priority,” the post continues.
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It is also noted that the mission to New York simultaneously highlighted the breadth of the Republic of Cyprus’s international presence, with the further deepening of relations with China, the United Kingdom, Jordan, and the United States, strengthening regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, as well as advancing specific energy projects with Chevron and ExxonMobil for the development of deposits in Cyprus’s EEZ.
Natural gas development, Europe’s energy security, connectivity, civil protection, investments, technology, and economic cooperation—he added—are all part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s position and credibility internationally, in which the Cypriot diaspora also plays an important role as a strong and reliable voice for Cyprus in the United States.
