President Christodoulides stated on Monday that he is going to the meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader with one and only one goal: “to see positive developments” and expressed hope that announcements would also be made regarding the opening of a new roadblock. He also announced a trilateral meeting between himself, the Turkish Cypriot leader, and the Secretary-General’s personal envoy sometime in October.
In remarks made upon arriving at an anniversary event marking the 150th anniversary of the newspaper Estia, the President said that discussions are underway and that some dates have already been setfor Ms. Olgin’s visit and for her joint meeting with the leaders.
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“We responded positively; I believe the Turkish Cypriot leader would also respond positively, and I truly hope that tomorrow we will have positive news to announce,” he said. When asked about the exact date, he said it would be sometime in October and that it is up to the UN to announce the date.
When asked if there would be an announcement tomorrow regarding the opening of a new checkpoint, he replied, “I hope so.”
“We are ready if there is a positive response, and of course we are ready to proceed with such an announcement, as well as on many other issues—I repeat—that the Secretary-General has raised: substance, methodology, confidence-building measures,” said the President.
In response to another question about whether there is a positive response from the Turkish Cypriot side, he said he did not wish to speak on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot side.
“I think Mr. Erhurman has spoken publicly; he has expressed his views. I’ve commented on his interview; let’s wait and see what happens tomorrow, and we’ll be here after the meeting to discuss it,” he said.
Event for ESTIA
Regarding the event for ESTIA, he said that this is an important moment for our country and for Hellenism.
He added that especially today, given the often uncontrolled and unregulated nature of technology—with its spread of fake news and misinformation— this event is particularly important, just as the presence of such figures in our region is important.
Regarding fake news and misinformation, he noted that this is an issue plaguing all of Europe and was recently discussed at the European Council.
“In fact, let me tell you that due to the intense concern at the European level, at the informal European Council meeting to be held in Ireland, we now have the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and this will be one of the key topics we’ll discuss. “So, despite all of this, I believe that such events and such visits to our country are particularly important,” he concluded.
Source: CNA
