Press Releases

The Republic of Cyprus has officially given its consent with regard to the personality that the UN Secretary General (UNSG) intends to appoint as an envoy for the Cyprus problem, the President of the Republic, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, said today, emphasising his readiness for the immediate resumption of negotiations.

In statements to the press at Pafos District, when asked what the upgrading by Fitch Ratings Company means for Cyprus, the President of the Republic replied that it amounts to “a vote of trust towards the Cypriot economy, a vote of trust for the prudent policy we are following with regard to the field of economy, which is summarised along the triptych of fiscal responsibility, a robust financial system and continuous bold reforms.

We will continue along the same course, we will continue along with society. On the occasion of yesterday’s discussion on the issue of divestments and the passing of bills by the House of Representatives – allow me to congratulate the parties on their stance – I call on all parties to cooperate in order to jointly face challenges.

A robust economy will enable us to develop a more targeted social policy and face the major challenges with regard to the sectors of Education, Health and daily life issues affecting all citizens.

I, therefore, consider yesterday’s development as significant, and we shall continue along the same course.

Asked about the appointment of an envoy by the UNSG, the President of the Republic said: “I had a telephone conversation with the UN Secretary General yesterday, at my own initiative, during which he referred to the personality he has selected. As the Republic of Cyprus, we have officially given our consent. The UNSG spoke very highly of the personality he is planning to announce, and of their capabilities. They are very well aware of issues such as the Cyprus problem and of how they can be of assistance.

On my part, I have expressed our readiness for the immediate resumption of discussions. If political willingness exists, I hold the view that we can indeed lead ourselves to the resumption of substantive negotiations, from the point they were interrupted. We also discussed the issue of the maritime corridor for providing humanitarian aid in Gaza. This is something which naturally concerns the UNSG as well as the international community, all the developments that are taking place recently for the worst, and the immediate unhindered dispatch of humanitarian aid must begin as soon as possible.

Asked about the meeting of the Greek Prime Minister and the President of Turkey, President Christodoulides said: “The Greek Prime Minister contacted me upon conclusion of his meeting with Mr Erdogan. I cannot publicise everything he told me, but it seems that a positive momentum is being created. Having said this, we will all be judged by the outcome”.

Asked when the envoy of the UNSG is due to arrive in Cyprus, President Christodoulides said: “I have not been informed on a specific date, but I suppose with the coming of the new Year, right after the announcement, they will visit Cyprus”.

Asked whether he is satisfied by the briefing on the part of Mr Mitsotakis, the President of the Republic said: “From what I have heard, yes, I am satisfied. We will also have a tête-à-tête meeting in Brussels next week. I will have the chance to be briefed in greater detail there, but I repeat, because I realise what your question is, we will all be judged by the outcome”.

Replying to a journalist’s remark that the Audit Office, through a new announcement, refers to its systematic undermining, the President of the Republic said: “I have not and will not ever resort to such practices. I have nothing further to add to what I have already stated on the subject”.    

(RM/EP/AP)