On Saturday 6 May, the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK hosted H.E. the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, for a working dinner in London, on the occasion of his visit to London for the coronation of King Charles III. Representatives from the Federation’s member associations from across the UK, were in attendance along with the First Lady of Cyprus, Mrs Philippa Karsera-Christodoulides.
In his address, President Christodoulides said that breaking the deadlock on the Cyprus problem and the resumption of talks for a settlement constitute a priority for him and the Government, adding that the current state of affairs is not an option. He went on to say that “our efforts are to link the EU – Turkish relations with the resumption of the negotiations for a solution on the agreed basis and a European oriented content”. Noting that he is aware of the difficulties and the problems stemming from Turkey’s position on the Cyprus settlement, and that the passage of time creates more difficulties as regards the prospects for reunification, Christodoulides said, however, that his efforts are focused on the EU undertaking a leading role because it “has the toolkit and incentives” to create positive developments through a mutually beneficial situation.
The President recalled that he had a “very constructive and substantive discussion” with French President Emanuel Macron on the issue, noting that he will also travel to Berlin this month.
The reunification of Cyprus, he said, should be based on the agreed solution framework, with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international personality, according to UN resolutions and EU acquis Communautaire. He went on to say “We are working for a solution which would render Cyprus a normal state, a functional state, with no dependencies, no anachronistic guarantees and, of course, not occupation troops.”
The President fondly recalled his strong connections with the National Federation of Cypriots and the UK-Cypriot diaspora over the last two decades, which started from his time serving as Consul General. He said: “As President of the Republic of Cyprus, I want to emphasize, that the members of the Cypriot diaspora in UK all share the strong desire to return to our occupied homeland, and the determination not to allow the consequences of the Turkish invasion to be normalized. This gives all of us the strength to continue the struggle until our homeland is fully liberated and reunited.” He also praised the Federation for uniting the community saying that “you have consistently demonstrated, through your actions, that your only party is Cyprus”. The President reiterated the importance that he personally attaches to the diaspora saying that shortly he will be appointing a Presidential Commissioner to specifically focus on diaspora issues.