National Council meets to discuss developments in the Cyprus issue

President Nikos Christodoulides presided over a National Council meeting on June 23, 2026, which featured its newly formed composition following the May parliamentary elections. The meeting included the first-time participation of Odysseas Michaelides of the ALMA movement and Phidias Panayiotou of the Direct Democracy party. Former President Nikos Anastasiades was absent, citing preparations for a separate press conference. During the session, the President briefed members on recent diplomatic initiatives, including his meetings with UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin and EU leadership. Participants acknowledged a renewed momentum in the Cyprus issue driven by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. While major political forces including DISY, AKEL, DIKO, and ALMA expressed support for negotiations based on a Bizonal Bicommunal Federation (BBF), ELAM reiterated its opposition to this model. Phidias Panayiotou stated that his party has not yet formulated a position and will consult with its supporters on the matter.