All of President Nikos Christodoulides’ actions are focused on trying to end the impasse and create circumstances that will allow for the resumption of Cyprus talks, Defence Minister Michalis Giorgallas said on Sunday.

Speaking at a church service in Dali, Nicosia for student that died during 1963-64 intercommunal violence, Demetris Hamatsos, the minister said that the president wants a fair, viable, and functioning solution the Cyprus problem.

The defence minister also emphasised that the role and involvement of the European Union, in addition to that of the United Nations, needs to be significant.

He further pointed out that this context does not include unnecessary accusations, brazen claims and assertions or provocative actions, which aim to create new faits accomplis.

Giorgallas said that “the proposed solution for two independent states is not an option for us. On the contrary, it torpedoes any action aimed at resuming negotiations.”

He also said that “Turkey’s overall negative attitude does not diminish our own disposition and determination to continue fighting to achieve our final goal, the solution of the Cyprus problem and the defence of our people’s rights.”