NICOSIA, Cyprus — President Nikos Christodoulides pledged the Greek Cypriot side will do everything possible to achieve a positive outcome in renewed efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, during a meeting Monday with Greek Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis, who is on an official visit to the island.
Christodoulides welcomed the renewed momentum in negotiations, noting that it follows years of stagnation and echoes the optimism expressed by the UN Secretary-General during the recent multilateral meeting in Geneva.
He emphasized that while upcoming elections in the north are important, key decisions—especially on critical issues—are made in Ankara, not by Turkish Cypriots.
Kaklamanis said he had been briefed on developments by Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, who expressed cautious optimism. However, Kaklamanis noted he does not personally share that sentiment.
Following his meeting at the Presidential Palace, Kaklamanis visited the House of Representatives, where he signed the guest book and held private talks with Speaker Annita Demetriou. He praised Cyprus as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and highlighted unanimous support across Greek political parties for the national goal of reunification.
Kaklamanis also said he would raise the issue of five Greek Cypriots reportedly detained in the occupied territories “for absurd reasons.”
Demetriou reaffirmed the strong diplomatic and political ties between Greece and Cyprus, calling both nations “islands of security” in the region and stressing that their relationship remains unshakable.
Kaklamanis later addressed a special session of the Cypriot Parliament.