I can assure you that our side is committed to resuming negotiations within the agreed framework, at the point where we stopped, in a bid to move a one step further,” House President Annita Demetriou said on Tuesday when asked to comment on a post by the Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhürman, and on the possibility of convening a 5+1 meeting and substantive talks.

“I cannot comment on what Mr. Erhürman says, but I can comment on what has been conveyed to the National Council, and to the outcome of our own personal contacts,” Demetriou said after a courtesy visit with the Archbishop of Cyprus at the Archbishopric. She added that she believes everyone who genuinely cares about resolving the Cyprus issue — “and not anything else” — must consider how they can help or contribute in that direction.

“There is a momentum right now that we want to utilise to bring us one step closer to the goal,” she said.

Responding to observations in public statements on both sides that “we are not at the same point — the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides, let alone Ankara,” Demetriou said that is precisely why contacts are taking place including those of Ms Holguin (María Angela Holguín, the UNSG’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus) and ours, and we are discussing at the European level as well.” She said that, at the end of the day, results will show whether progress can be made. “The facts are there: there are convergences, there is the framework, there is the basis for negotiation; these matters are on the table and being discussed. We know how we can move one step further — that is where our efforts are focused — and our side is unwavering on this and will proceed accordingly,” she said.

The House President noted that not everything depends on them, observing that discussions are also under way on EU–Turkey issues and other matters. The Cyprus problem, she said, must never be read in isolation; it is affected by developments in the region and beyond, and correct diplomatic and political moves are necessary.

Demetriou also said she held a courtesy meeting with Archbishop Georgios on the occasion of her re‑election as President of the House, during which they discussed broader issues related to the political situation “which we are called upon to manage.”

“Respect is a given and we are exactly where we can exchange views, while each must fulfil the duties and role imposed upon them,” she added.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

After informal meetings in 2025, followed by a hiatus of several months, deliberations are underway for a new meeting in broader format to be held, as the term of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres nears its end. Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties.

Source: Parikiaki.com