Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said Tuesday his government is ready to restart reunification talks “even next week,” rejecting Turkish claims that the timing is unsuitable because of Cyprus’ EU Council presidency and upcoming parliamentary elections.
Christodoulides said the latest initiative by U.N. Secretary‑General António Guterres on the substance of the Cyprus issue began in March, following Guterres’ meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara and his own meeting with Guterres in Brussels.
“If António Guterres calls us, even next week, we are ready,” Christodoulides said, adding that the Turkish side is delaying in order to reinforce its position that it cannot make moves during Cyprus’ EU presidency.
Responding to criticism over the signing of alliances, particularly with neighboring countries, Christodoulides said Cyprus is a member of the European Union and the United Nations, and that as president he will continue to sign agreements that strengthen the Republic’s international standing and address emerging challenges.
Christodoulides repeated that Erdogan could have attended the Informal Leaders’ Summit in Nicosia, saying feedback he received indicated the meeting was “completely successful,” with a shared focus on the EU’s strategic autonomy.
On the energy crisis, he said a comprehensive solution could come through the European Energy Union, noting that specific legislation is being advanced. Natural gas, he added, is not a permanent solution but a bridge toward the final goal.
Asked about developments in the Shanti case, Christodoulides said the executive branch does not intervene in investigative procedures. He said the process is moving forward based on statements by the investigative authorities, with institutions operating through established procedures.