Disappointment Over Leaks from National Council Members
In a recent statement, President Christodoulides expressed his disappointment over leaks emerging from members of the National Council. The President refrained from commenting on the specifics of the leaked information, particularly concerning the proposal of the UN Secretary-General for Cyprus. He emphasized his frustration with the lack of adherence to agreements made within the National Council, stating, “I will not comment on anything regarding this specific issue. All I want to say is to express my great disappointment – without commenting on the substance, without commenting on whether what has been disclosed corresponds to reality or not – for discussing and agreeing on certain matters in the National Council, and these things are not adhered to by some.”
When pressed for clarification on what agreements were not followed through, President Christodoulides maintained that his initial statement was clear and offered no further details. He also addressed queries about Turkey’s stance on the Cyprus issue, noting that there has been no change in rhetoric and underscoring the ongoing efforts to resume negotiations. “Our effort continues, it is a single goal: to resume negotiations from where they left off,” he said.
The President highlighted the significant role of the European Union and certain member states, including Germany, in these efforts. He also mentioned the upcoming visit of the President of the European Commission to Cyprus, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of Cyprus’s accession to the EU, viewing it as a supportive gesture.
Regarding the difference between sovereignty equality and a two-state solution, President Christodoulides dismissed any such distinctions as irrelevant, stating, “There are no such messages. I don’t know why they say them, who says them, what they aim at. I’m not interested in communication management, I’m not here for communication management and the Cyprus issue is not suitable for communication purposes.”
Finally, when asked about any messages from Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte following his visit to Turkey, President Christodoulides confirmed ongoing communication with the Dutch leader and anticipated being informed about any developments from those discussions.
The President’s remarks reflect a broader concern with maintaining confidentiality and unity among Cypriot leaders as they navigate sensitive diplomatic negotiations and strive for a resolution to longstanding issues.
