Nikos Hristodulidis: Niko Christodoulidis: There is no possibility of recognizing a second state in Cyprus

Ruma leader Nicos Christodoulidis gave an exclusive interview to Mustafa Alkan, host of the Cyprus Youth TV program. Christodoulidis assessed the current situation on the Cyprus problem. Recalling that he will travel to New York next week for the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Christodoulidis said: "I will have a number of important meetings, including a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres." He also expressed hope for a joint meeting with President Ersin Tatar in New York and asked the UN Secretary General to appoint a new representative to assess the possibility of resuming talks.

Christodoulidis emphasized that his top priority is the resumption of talks on the Cyprus problem and its solution. He warned that if negotiations do not start or the problem is not resolved, Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots will continue to pay the price and said, "I am ready to do everything in my power to achieve the necessary result." Christodoulidis said that the basis for negotiations on the Cyprus problem is the UN parameters and called on everyone to adhere to this solution.

With regard to the Turkish Cypriots' proposed solution model based on "sovereign equality and equal international status," Christodoulidis said there is no possibility of recognizing a second state in Cyprus.

He also emphasized the need for a greater role for the European Union (EU) in the resumption of talks, saying: "Because the EU can help reach a solution that is beneficial to all parties, using the tools available." Christodoulidis also recalled the 2017 Crans-Montana talks, saying that "the Secretary-General said: 'we are stopping here, that's it, it's over'". He expressed the view that the talks should be resumed from where they left off in Crans-Montana and noted the need to assess the progress made during these talks.

Christodoulidis also said that they want a solution that is supported by the UN, the EU and the international community, and emphasized his readiness to sit at the negotiating table and satisfy Tatar's concerns. He expressed respect for President Tatar and said he was ready to work with the leader chosen by the Turkish Cypriots to solve the Cyprus problem.