Cyprus President Links Turkey-EU Relations to Cyprus Conflict Resolution

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized that the enhancement of relations between Turkey and the European Union hinges on Turkey’s involvement in resolving the long-standing division of Cyprus. This statement came during discussions with Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Nicosia. Turkey, aspiring to join the EU for many years, faces halted accession talks due to concerns over its human rights and rule of law record.

The division of Cyprus, an island in the Eastern Mediterranean, dates back to 1974 following a Turkish invasion triggered by a Greek-inspired coup. While the Republic of Cyprus is a member of the EU since 2004, the northern part of the island remains recognized only by Turkey.

Christodoulides advocates for a solution to the Cyprus issue as a pathway to closer Turkey-EU relations, suggesting the EU appoint an emissary to help revive peace talks, with support for the UN’s leading role in the peace process. Steinmeier, echoing this sentiment during his official visit, highlighted the need for EU member states to consider Turkish actions in Cyprus when assessing its relations with the bloc.

The peace negotiations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots stalled in 2017, leaving the UN peacekeeping force to continue patrolling the cease-fire line since intercommunal violence erupted in 1963. Steinmeier also mentioned Germany’s recent commitment to dispatch police officers to the UN force in Cyprus.