“I will not present to the people a solution plan that does not have my approval. A solution to the Cyprus problem remains my noblest aspiration and my life’s mission,”
Nicos Christodoulides – President of the Republic

In a 19-page speech devoted almost entirely to the Cyprus issue, Nikos Christodoulides laid out his red lines and defined the parameters within which he will operate. In a forceful statement, he sent messages in every direction. Speaking at the presidential event marking the “black anniversaries” before the people and the state, he affirmed that he has the courage to negotiate for the future of the country. 

“Within this context, the continuation of the Republic of Cyprus is an inviolable red line. We are not discussing the dissolution, abolition, or annulment of the internationally recognized state,” he added.

For him, a bizonal, bicommunal federation is the only viable path, rejecting a two-state solution, a disguised confederation, as well as any solution containing constructive ambiguities. He makes it clear that he will never sign a doomed solution.

The President called on the Turkish President to abandon anachronistic methods involving guarantees and troops and to come to the negotiating table to discuss a solution based on internationallaw.

“These anachronistic aspirations and divisive policies not only infringe upon the rights of Greek Cypriots but also punish Turkish Cypriots, who are deprived of the rights offered by a modern European state.”
Nicos Christodoulides

He also sent a message of unity to the Turkish Cypriot leader.

Nikos Christodoulides referred to two events that, after nine years, are generating cautious optimism in Nicosia. First, the Secretary-General’s visit in six days, and second, the appointment of Commission Vice-President Fito as the EU’s special envoy.     

“I am certain that the course we are charting leads to the sheltered harbor of liberation from the shackles of occupation. Our Ithaca is the vindication of our people’s struggles, who for many years have been waiting patiently for the winds of freedom to blow.”
Nikos Christodoulides

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On the other half of the island, there are celebrations and dancing. Fireworks and fighter jets streak across the sky, which is painted in the colors of the Turkish flag.

Erciyuman and Yilmaz pay homage to the flag of the pseudo-state and send messages that are anything but encouraging for the Cyprus peace process.

Erdoğan made sure to leave a worthy successor in his wake. The Turkish Vice President made it clear that failed formulas will not be tried again, effectively burying the idea of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

“We do not want to waste any more time on the same fruitless discussions. No effort that turns a blind eye to the reality on the ground has any chance of success. The international community must now accept that Turkish Cypriots are the owners of these territories just as much as the Greeks.”
Cevdet Yılmaz – Turkish Vice President

He places all the blame for the lack of a solution on the Greek Cypriot side as well as on the European Union, which, in his view, has failed in its handling of the Cyprus issue. However, he is not backing down one bit on the issue of guarantees and troops.

“The presence of the Turkish Armed Forces has brought peace and stability to the island.”
Cevdet Yılmaz

The microphone then passed to Erhurman, who, although he avoided specifying the basis for a solution he himself would prefer, he rules out any discussion that would result in the recognition of Turkish Cypriots as a minority. He is committed to a solution that will be implemented step by step with Turkey’s blessing.

“As UN Secretary-General Guterres said, ‘if we are to try again, this time it must be different.’ We no longer want negotiations just for the sake of negotiations, nor do we want fruitless five-party talks.”
Tufan Erhurman – Turkish Cypriot leader

He did, however, leave a small window of hope, saying that Turkish Cypriots do not remember only the hardships that, in his words, the Greek Cypriots inflicted upon them.

“We remember the hardships as if they were yesterday, but we never hesitate to make good-faith efforts for the future of our children. Nevertheless, the Turkish Cypriot people continue to demonstrate their commitment to a solution.”
Tufan Erhurman

Watch Evangelos Agapios’s report: