The UN Secretary-General stated that he will continue to work toward the resumption of talks right up until the last day of his term, noted the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides. Speaking Friday at an event organized by the Cypriot diaspora in New York, President Christodoulides referred to his meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, where, as he said, he presented new ideas regarding the substance, methodology, and the terms of reference that could pave the way for the resumption of negotiations; however, he noted that “the Turkish side responded negatively.”
He also said that the five Permanent Members of the Security Council gave assurances that the negotiating acquis and the basis for a solution to the Cyprus problem would not change.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“We came to New York, had an excellent meeting with the UN Secretary-General, and presented new ideas regarding the substance, methodology, the terms of reference—ideas that once again demonstrated our political will in practice, were positively received by the Secretary-General, and could pave the way for the resumption of negotiations,” said President Christodoulides.
Unfortunately, he continued, “the Turkish side responded negatively,” noting that “it is in a weak position, since this is what happens when someone refuses a simple meeting to explore the prospects based on some new ideas that were positively received by the UN Secretary-General.”
President Christodoulides referred to two “very important facts,” as, he said, the Secretary-General “told us that until the very last day of his term, he will continue to work toward concrete progress toward the resumption of talks, and we believe in him,” reiterating that our side responds positively to the Secretary-General’s efforts.
He added that the second reason, concerns the meeting he had with the five Permanent Representatives of the five Permanent Members of the Security Council, the main conclusion of which was that even with the change in the UN Secretary-General, the basis of the Cyprus issue and the negotiating achievements will not be lost.
“My message to those who adopt a negative approach, hoping that these will be set aside once the Secretary-General’s term ends, is that this will not happen under any circumstances whatsoever. And this is the position that was clearly expressed by the five Permanent Members,” he emphasized.
Speaking at the event in New York, the President of the Republic said, among other things, that every meeting with the diaspora in the United States holds special significance, noting his love and concern for his homeland.
“The Federation of Cypriot Organizations of America and its member organizations have for decades been Cyprus’s strongest and most reliable voice in the United States. A voice that actively defends our homeland, builds relationships with the American political system and society, and, at the same time, keeps the Cypriot identity alive,” he said, adding that “You were the first to believe in our relations with the U.S.”
He expressed satisfaction that young Cypriots and Cypriot-Americans are participating more and more actively in the community’s organizations and activities, are taking the initiative, and at the same time are excelling in business, technology, academia, politics, and other fields.
He said that perhaps the most important investment is to ensure that our relationship with Cyprus not only does not weaken over time, but gains new momentum, new substance, and new leaders. “Because Cypriot heritage is not merely a reference to the past. It is a living connection to the Cyprus of today and tomorrow, one that must be passed down from generation to generation and continually strengthened—and you are achieving this with great success,” he said.
He noted that 52 years after the Turkish invasion, the occupation, the division, the uprooting, and the violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms continue in European Cyprus, while he reiterated before the diaspora that “no matter how many years go by, we do not and will never compromise on the occupation.”
Our top priority, he continued, remains the reunification of Cyprus on the basis of the agreed framework, the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, international law, and, of course, the principles, values, and the law of the European Union.
“The challenges, problems, and difficulties are many, and I experience them every day. But we will not stop for even a moment until that blessed day of liberation and reunification,” he noted.
During the event, John Josephakis, Stavros Kamilaris, and Despoina Axiotakis were also honored, with President Christodoulides speaking of them as worthy ambassadors of Cyprus. “I warmly congratulate you and thank you, on behalf of the Cypriot state and the Cypriot people, for all that you contribute and, above all, because no matter where life has taken you, Cyprus has always remained in your hearts,” he said.
Referring to the award recipients, he noted that John Josephakis, who was born in Famagusta—and was forced to leave his city due to the 1974 Turkish invasion —has carved out an admirable career in the fields of technology and innovation, rising to a leadership position at NVIDIA, a company at the forefront of the global technological revolution.
“I had the pleasure of meeting John in Houston during my visit to the United States in 2025 to attract investment to Cyprus. That meeting, combined with John’s deep love for Cyprus, marked the beginning of a partnership that is already bearing fruit. Today, NVIDIA, a major corporation, is investing in Cyprus, a huge vote of confidence in our country, and is contributing to our efforts to equip our country with the infrastructure and, above all, the skills required by the new era of Artificial Intelligence,” he said.
He then referred to Stavros Kamilaris, a native of Agios Georgios in Kyrenia, who also arrived in the United States as a refugee following the Turkish invasion. “He built his life and career here, without ever distancing himself from or forgetting Cyprus. On the contrary, for more than 20 years, through his work at Lampousa, he has served our community, keeping alive the memory of our occupied homeland and the hope of return,” he continued.
Regarding Despoina Axiotaki, he said that through her 27-year tenure in the leadership of the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce and her broader involvement in the diaspora, she has made a substantial contribution to strengthening the economic and business ties between Cyprus and the United States, while, at the same time, remains a pioneer in all the struggles of our community and, in particular, in the great effort toward the reunification of our homeland.
And this reference to Cyprus inevitably brings us to the greatest unresolved issue that continues to concern our homeland—and I know it concerns all of you as well.
The President of the Republic also said that “from the very first day we assumed power, we have been working to strengthen all the pillars of our nation’s power: the economy, deterrence, diplomatic presence, and others.”
He noted that citizens’ sense of security is growing, while he spoke at length about the government’s economic achievements, which, as he pointed out, allow for investment in sectors such as education, health, the welfare state, and housing.
He added that foreign policy follows a clear Western orientation, while he highlighted Cyprus’s successful Presidency of the Council of the EU.
He added that a country that is not strong domestically, that has economic problems, cannot make credible claims on the international stage. And Cyprus has an obligation to strengthen its international standing, he added.
Referring to Cyprus–U.S. relations, the President of the Republic said that the scope for cooperation between the two countries is limitless.
He further emphasized the strategic relationship between the two countries in a wide range of sectors, noting that this relationship is constantly deepening, and highlighted the contribution of the diaspora toward this goal.
He also referred to the desire to eliminate visa requirements and establish direct connectivity between the two countries, whose relations are “at the best level they have ever been.”
Cyprus, he said, is an attractive option due to its competitive advantages, such as its geographic location, its human resources, and its services, among many others.
He added that he would return to the U.S. before the end of the year to present the opportunities Cyprus offers as a business and investment destination.
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Source: CNA
