ALDE Party member Democratic Alignment (DEPA) travelled to Geneva for informal talks on the Cyprus problem, hailing the meeting as a first positive step towards resuming negotiations on a settlement.
On 17-18 March, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres convened Cypriot political leaders and guarantor powers Greece, Türkiye and the United Kingdom to the UN headquarters in Switzerland.
All parties agreed to a series of initiatives, such as the opening of crossing points and the appointment of a UN personal envoy to push forward negotiations within the agreed framework.
“For the first time since 2017, the Cyprus problem is back on a path of promising developments. DEPA reiterates its position that the progress of the dialogue process and the subsequent negotiations should be based on the agreed framework for a solution, the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and be compatible with the EU acquis,” said DEPA leader Marios Garoyian.
Moreover, EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa sent all parties a written statement reaffirming the EU’s commitment to the agreed framework for a settlement, in accordance with the conclusions of previous European Council meetings.
All sides committed to a new expanded-format meeting in July to assess progress on negotiations.
Photo: DEPA