Cyprus Government Pushes for Expanded Conference to Resume Talks

The Cypriot government has declared that an expanded conference involving all relevant parties is essential to achieve meaningful progress and resume substantive negotiations on the Cyprus issue. Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated during a press briefing that such a format is necessary to move the process forward, expressing readiness to attend meetings as soon as next week. The government aims to restart negotiations from the point they were interrupted at Crans Montana in 2017. This stance follows recent comments by President Nikos Christodoulides regarding a new UN initiative led by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, which could yield a settlement framework by year-end. UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin is expected to visit Cyprus in June to prepare for a potential summer conference. Letymbiotis firmly rejected the Turkish Cypriot leadership's support for a two-state solution, emphasizing that any settlement must adhere to international law and UN resolutions, ensuring Cyprus remains an EU member. The government intends to avoid public confrontations while working closely with the UN to foster a conducive climate for renewed dialogue.