Demetriou: Talks Should Not Be Limited To CBM's; Political Will Is Essential

Speaking to Kathimerini, Demetriou said the time had come to address the core of the Cyprus problem and to achieve genuine progress. She underlined the need for clear messaging and political determination, arguing that discussions ahead of the five-party conference must go beyond confidence-building measures.

Demetriou said all scenarios should be anticipated, adding that clarity of approach and adherence to stated positions required the demonstration of political will. While noting that she did not see substantive progress on the Cyprus issue, she said she did not believe responsibility lay with the Greek Cypriot side, emphasising the importance of convincing the international community and the United Nations of its sincere intentions and maintaining consistency in its positions.

According to the report, Demetriou also pointed to the broader geopolitical and geostrategic context, arguing that insistence on alliances was necessary in light of developments linked to EU–Turkey and Greece–Turkey relations.

Referring to the prospect of resuming talks from where they left off in Crans-Montana, Demetriou said readiness was required on the basis of the agreed framework and what had been achieved so far. She added that the time had come to clarify what would constitute the foundation for continuity in the process.

Stressing that there was no luxury of wasting time or starting from scratch, Demetriou said the Cyprus issue could not be reduced to small political manoeuvres.