National Council discusses Cyprus problem and epidemiological outlook

The National Council convenes on Friday morning under President Nicos Anastasiades, with a view to discuss developments as regards the Cyprus problem in view of the 5+1 informal meeting that will take place in Geneva on April 27-29.

During the Council’s meeting, President Anastasiades will also inform the political party leaders about Cyprus’ epidemiological outlook and will listen to their views, in view of the meeting of the Council of Ministers that will convene at 11.30am, under the President, to take decisions with regard to the restrictive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.

As regards the Cyprus problem, Government Spokesman, Kyriakos Koushos has told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that both Anastasiades and Foreign Minister, Nikos Christodoulides, will inform political party leaders about their contacts during the last period on the Cyprus problem and the messages which Nicosia is receiving, and final objectives will be set out. In this framework political party leaders are expected to express their opinions on the various issues.

President Anastasiades will be accompanied to Geneva by the leaders of the political parties participating in the National Council, except ELAM. The political party leaders who will go to Geneva are Democratic Rally (Disy) President, Averof Neophytou, Akel General-Secretary Andros Kyprianou, Democratic Party (Diko) President, Nicholas Papadopoulos, EDEK President, Marinos Sizopoulos, Citizens Alliance President, Yiorgos Lillikas, Solidarity Movement President, Eleni Theocharous, President of the Movement of Ecologists — Citizens` Cooperation, Charalambos Theopemptou, and President of the Democratic Front, Marios Garoyian.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The UN Secretary-General invited all parties involved to attend an informal five-plus-one meeting on the Cyprus issue in Geneva, Switzerland, from 27 to 29 April 2021.