President Nikos Christodoulides expressed optimism that in New York, progress could be made towards restarting talks on the Cyprus issue.
Christodoulides will be meeting the UN secretary-general later on Monday.
Speaking at a Cypriots of New York event in Queens on Sunday, the president said he is working intensively in cooperation with Greece to achieve this goal, and that he expects that during the week there will be specific developments regarding Cyprus.
“With perseverance and the stubbornness that characterizes us, with unwavering determination, we have succeeded in these 18 months, with your help, to rekindle international interest in the Cyprus issue,” Christodoulides told attendees.
“I really hope [after the meetings] to have concrete announcements for the resumption of negotiations, or at least a joint meeting,” he said.
Christodoulides on the 50th anniversary of the invasion
Referring to the 50th anniversary of the invasion, Christodoulides said it underscored the need to find a solution and that, despite the setbacks Cyprus suffered as a result, the country was strong.
“In 1974, our homeland suffered a double rape, the treacherous coup and then the Turkish invasion, which seriously injured it, divided it [and] bowed it, but despite continuous efforts by some to annihilate it, […] did not destroy it,” he said, adding that Cyprus can and does offer solutions to regional issues.
“The tragic summer of 1974 and everything that [followed] has defined and continues to define the course of our country but also the course of all of us, our lives, our everyday life [including] our expectations, responsibilities for liberation, for ending the occupation, for reunification and for returning to our ancestral homes,” he continued.
Strengthening Cyprus ties with the USA
Christodoulides mentioned the recent strengthening of ties with the USA, saying that bilateral relations had been boosted through signing the strategic partnership framework.
Referring to Cyprus as a bridge between the EU and the Middle East, a role his government has sought to push, Christodoulides said: “Our role […] within the European Union has been substantially strengthened, highlighting […] the importance of our country for the European Union.
“When the crisis in our region started last October, [Cyprus] was used as a transit station by EU and third countries. We were ready from day one with a specific plan and we met our specific obligation,” he said.
The Republic is ready to continue in this role despite unknowns, he added.
The creation of the maritime corridor for humanitarian aid in Gaza, was an example of a successful initiative that demonstrated that the island can play an important role on the world stage beyond the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides continued.
“The continuous strengthening of relations with strong [international] actors such as the United States and France, a strong, resilient and competitive economy [and] successful immigration management [are being used] to achieve a solution of the Cyprus problem. There is no other way for a small country, under occupation, in an area of particular geostrategic importance to cope with today’s challenges,” the president said.
Christodoulides was speaking at a diaspora event attended by the American Cypriot Federation, Pseka and Ahepa, among others.