The leader of Cyprus says he is ready to start peace talks again “today”

The president of Cyprus declared on Wednesday that he was prepared to immediately recommence reunification negotiations regarding the ethnically divided island. He also encouraged Turkey, a regional rival, to participate in the endeavor.

“Geography is an immutable entity.” It is an opportunity, not a burden. Nikos Christodoulides made the following statement during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York: “Turkey and Cyprus will always remain neighbors.”

“I adamantly believe we can carve a new path, one of peace, cooperation and collaboration,” said the president.

A Turkish invasion, which followed a brief Greek-inspired rebellion, resulted in the division of Cyprus decades ago. This event was preceded by years of sporadic violence between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

Since mid-2017, reunification negotiations have been in a state of impasse.

A Turkish Cypriot dissident state in northern Cyprus, which is solely supported by Turkey, is seeking a two-state agreement that acknowledges its sovereignty. According to Greek Cypriots, the sole framework that is currently available is that established by U.N. resolutions that advocate for reunification within a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

“I am prepared to participate in the negotiation today and am fully committed.” Not tomorrow. Christodoulides stated, “Today.”

The Cyprus issue, which is currently situated on the precipice of the Middle East, is significantly overshadowed by the volatile circumstances of its neighbors.

In an initiative supported by the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Israel, the island was transformed into a bridge for the delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance to the besieged Gaza region of Israel earlier this year. Additionally, it has expressed its willingness to provide assistance in the evacuation of civilians from the area in the event that tensions escalate.

However, Christodoulides declared that he would never subscribe to the linear narrative of a region in turmoil, despite the bleak outlook.

“I have experienced first-hand what countries in the region can achieve when they come together behind a common vision,” he indicated.