Archbishop Georgios discusses the Cyprus problem in Paphos

On July 18, 2026, the Archbishop of Cyprus, Georgios, stated that Greek Cypriots are the primary party seeking a resolution to the Cyprus problem, citing the impact of the Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation. During a visit to the St. Fotios chapel at the Paphos Metropolis children's camp near Statos-Agios Fotios, the Archbishop addressed the role of international organizations. He expressed hope that the United Nations Secretary-General will uphold the foundational principles of the UN in pursuing a solution. Archbishop Georgios emphasized that any proposed settlement must respect fundamental human rights and remain free from external pressure. Regarding the European Union's involvement, he noted that the EU could serve as a guarantor to prevent arbitrary actions and protect the rights of all residents on the island. However, he stressed that the outcome also depends on the Greek Cypriot side's commitment to these principles without making concessions on core human rights issues.