Christodoulides Announces Meeting with Holguin on Saturday

According to Alithia, under the headline “Holguín Arrives and Begins Work,” Christodoulides stated that the arrival of Holguín, along with the appointment of Johannes Hahn as the European Commission’s envoy for Cyprus, has created a new dynamic in the Cyprus issue.

Responding to a question on whether he plans to meet Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar before his meeting with Holguín, Christodoulides said no such meeting is currently scheduled. However, he added that from a procedural perspective, a trilateral meeting during Holguín’s stay in Cyprus would be beneficial, allowing her to outline how she intends to proceed while both sides share their views.

Christodoulides confirmed that the negotiators have already met and expressed the belief that a renewed momentum is emerging as July approaches, particularly due to Hahn’s appointment, which he said has clarified the overall landscape.

He also pointed to recent remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a summit in Albania, in which Erdoğan referenced Turkey’s European aspirations—especially regarding the customs union and cooperation on defence and other matters. Christodoulides stated that if Turkey genuinely wishes to move closer to Europe, it must first meet its obligations concerning Cyprus and other European commitments.

“We are fully prepared,” Christodoulides declared. “We know what we want, where we are going, and we are continuing this major effort.”

When asked whether the negotiators' meeting had produced any significant outcomes, Christodoulides said that “small, very small steps” had been taken. He reiterated the disappointment he expressed following his most recent meeting with Tatar.

He emphasised that the current stage requires political decisions, which cannot be made at the level of the negotiators alone. For this reason, he voiced hope that a three-way meeting with Holguín and Tatar will take place, stressing that the time has come for political decisions to be made.

Regarding when Hahn’s mission will officially begin, Christodoulides said the newly appointed envoy would commence his duties immediately and that they had already spoken. He noted that they had held a recent exchange of views in Valencia, Spain, during a meeting of the European People's Party, and that he is now awaiting formal notification of Hahn’s travel dates.

Asked whether Hahn would visit the TRNC, Christodoulides responded affirmatively, saying that as the Commission President’s envoy on the Cyprus issue, such a visit is appropriate and expected.

When questioned about his brief exchange with Erdoğan in Albania and whether there were any signs of optimism, Christodoulides said many things were discussed, and if any positive development were to emerge, it would become evident in the near future. He added that they are working toward that goal.

Responding to a question regarding the issue of Greek Cypriot properties in the TRNC and Erdoğan’s remarks suggesting Turkey might respond forcefully, Christodoulides said he had no concerns. “As long as we apply the law and international legal principles, a usurper is a usurper—regardless of where they come from,” he concluded.

Coverage of Christodoulides' remarks appeared in the Greek Cypriot press under the following headlines:

• Fileleftheros: “Diplomatic Momentum via Envoys – Nicosia Invests in Holguín and Hahn to Advance the Cyprus Issue – First Meeting with Holguín Set for Saturday – Hahn’s Initial Visit to Include TRNC”

• Politis: “Christodoulides Wants Meeting with Holguín and Tatar – Cites New Dynamic After Hahn’s Appointment”

• Haravgi: “Christodoulides-Holguín Meeting Set for Saturday – No Meeting with Tatar Planned for Now – Hahn to Visit the TRNC”