Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis has said that contacts between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides continue at negotiator level, even though President Nikos Christodoulides has not recently spoken directly with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman. Christodoulides is expected to meet the U.N. secretary‑general on Wednesday to discuss next steps toward restarting reunification talks.
Letymbiotis said he had no official information regarding a possible visit to Cyprus by Britain’s minister for Europe, Leo Docherty, but noted that any such contacts would be announced by the Foreign Ministry.
Responding to Erhürman’s public criticism over the foot‑and‑mouth outbreak and his call for a bicommunal committee on halloumi, Letymbiotis said health‑sector technical committees are already in place and meeting. He added that EU protocols for managing the disease must also be applied in the island’s Turkish‑occupied areas.
On the government’s five‑point proposal for resuming negotiations, Letymbiotis said it will be presented in full to the U.N. chief, noting it was already outlined in a letter sent by the president.
Asked about the risk of the foot‑and‑mouth disease spreading, he said the danger remains as long as veterinary protocols are not fully implemented. He reiterated that the government has announced a €28 million support package for affected farmers and remains in close coordination with the European Commission.
Letymbiotis also addressed concerns about rising fuel prices amid regional instability, saying the situation is being monitored closely. He noted that Cyprus currently has the EU’s second‑lowest price for 95‑octane petrol and the fourth‑lowest for diesel, while electricity subsidies and zero VAT on essential goods remain in place.
On criticism that the government’s handling of the regional crisis created a negative impression abroad, Letymbiotis said Cyprus acted responsibly to safeguard public safety and that flight schedules have largely returned to normal. He added that Cyprus remains a “high‑quality tourist destination” and that the government is optimistic about the upcoming season.
He confirmed that a committee led by former minister Stavros Malas has been tasked with delivering proposals within three months on long‑term reforms for the livestock sector following the outbreak.