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Damianou: President Takes Initiatives for Restarting Talks

Published March 22, 2026, 14:14
Damianou: President Takes Initiatives for Restarting Talks

President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, is working for unity and cohesion and is taking initiatives to restart talks within the agreed framework, with the more active participation of the European Union, said the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Michalis Damianou. Speaking at an event for national anniversaries, he stressed that resolving the Cyprus issue remains a firm pursuit, with a sustainable and functional solution based on international law and UN resolutions. Mr. Damianou stated that the solution must ensure peace, security and prosperity for all legal residents of Cyprus – Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins – without occupying troops, outdated guarantees and interventionist rights. Referring to the current phase of negotiations, the Minister proposed examining the compatibility of the so-called “convergences” with the European acquis, deleting those that are not compatible and submitting a new proposal for inclusion in the solution text. He also proposed the complete withdrawal of Turkish troops and the abolition of guarantees, replaced by the European Union. Mr. Damianou emphasized that the national anniversaries remind us of the need for unity, cohesion and commitment to the values of freedom and democracy, while acknowledging the trauma from the coup and the invasion of 1974.