Christodoulides meets European Commission president (Updated)

 President Nikos Christodoulides met with key EU officials where he presented the case for greater EU involvement in the efforts to break the impasse on the Cyprus problem.

After his meeting on Wednesday with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Charles Michel, CNA reported that Christodoulides discussed the possibility of the EU appointing an envoy.

The president has made his proposal of the EU taking a more active role in the Cyprus problem resolution efforts as a key push during his Brussels visit.

“An enhanced EU role would in absolutely no way come to replace the role of the UN,” he said, emphasising that Cyprus more than anyone else wants the resolution to be within the UN framework.

“But the EU has all the necessary incentives for everyone involved in the Cyprus problem, to create the situation that will be rewarding for all,” Christodoulides said.

The north has already rejected such a move and Akel also cast doubt on its feasibility, but Christodoulides believes the bloc can offer the right incentives to break the deadlock.

Later in the day, Christodoulides met with president of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.

The talks took place ahead the European Council Summit on March 23 and 24.

Christodoulides is also set to take part in the European People’s Party summit to be held on Thursday morning.

On Thursday, Christodoulides is scheduled for bilateral talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and with the European People’s Party president Manfred Weber.

Afterwards, he will participate in the European Council meeting, during which he will also attend a lunch with the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

On Friday, the president will have separate meetings with the France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz.

Christodoulides will be accompanied in Brussels by government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis. the director of the President’s Office Marilena Raouna and the director of the president’s press office Victoras Papadopoulos will also make the trip.