Solution to the Cyprus problem needed now says FM

With the world facing geopolitical change, a solution to the Cyprus problem is needed now, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said on Monday.

Speaking to CyBC, Kasoulides said the current political climate is characterised by a multitude of geopolitical changes in international relations and it is time to solve issues that the international community considers of minor importance.

He underlined that Turkey needs to accept the fact that a solution to the Cyprus problem cannot be achieved on their terms.

He also reconfirmed that President Nicos Anastasiades will not stand in the 2023 presidential elections and is ready to take on a new role in the attempt to find a solution to the Cyprus problem.

In the meantime, focus on confidence-building measures (CBMs) will remain as their eventual implementation will pave the way for meaningful negotiations, the foreign minister said, adding that they were conveyed to Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan by the European Council President Charles Michel.

In the meantime, Kasoulides will welcome Under Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland on Thursday when she is set to visit the island.

Nuland’s European tour, which will last until April 9, includes visits to Turkey, Greece, Cyprus and Germany.

“We are looking to further strengthen our bilateral relationships with Europe and to emphasise our unified support for Ukraine by coordinating our response to Russia’s unprovoked invasion,” the US State Department said about Nuland’s visit.

Specifically during her visits to Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus, Nuland is set engage with government officials and civil society for discussions on regional security, economic issues and bilateral priorities, an announcement added.

Other senior members of the delegation are Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Ilan Goldenberg and Deputy Assistant Secretary Erika Olson.