G/c and T/c parties agree that current window of opportunity must be utilised
Leaders and representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties who met on Wednesday in Nicosia agreed that the current window of opportunity for the recommencement of negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem needs to be constructively utilised.
According to a Joint Communique issued after their meeting in the framework of the bicommunal dialogue under the auspices of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic, in Ledra Palace, in Nicosia, participants expressed opinions on the topic proposed by the hosting party United Democrats: ‘’Time is of the essence: Two generations of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots have spent their lives in anticipation and disappointment. Let’s give the prospect of peace, cooperation, development, and prosperity to the younger generations of Cypriots, before it’s too late. Let’s make geography work in our own favour.’’
“The representatives of the political parties agreed that the current window of opportunity for the recommencement of negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem needs to be constructively utilised” the Joint Communique reads.
It adds that they acknowledged that as it has become evident from developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, there are no frozen conflicts.
Furthermore, it says that they agreed that both communities in Cyprus as well as our neighbours in the Eastern Mediterranean will benefit from a peaceful mutually agreed solution of the Cyprus problem.
In addition, it says that they welcome the UNSC Resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the return of all hostages.
The next meeting of the leaders and representatives of the political parties will be held on Thursday 25 April 2024, with New Cyprus Party (YKP) as the hosting party.
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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively. Recently, the UNSG appointed Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar as his personal envoy on Cyprus. Holguin already began her contacts both on the island and in various foreign countries.
