Diplomatic activity intensifies over the Cyprus issue ahead of New York meetings

President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides held a meeting on September 17, 2026, with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman in the UN-protected area of Nicosia. The discussion, described by the UN as good, focused on confidence-building measures, methodology, and substantive aspects of the process. President Christodoulides noted that he presented new ideas that, given sufficient political will, could lead to positive developments, adding that he is prepared to extend his stay in New York if UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres deems it necessary to hold a joint meeting or a broader conference.

Simultaneously, the former President of the Democratic Rally (DISY) party, Averof Neophytou, requested a meeting with President Christodoulides to discuss the Cyprus issue ahead of upcoming international contacts in New York. Neophytou reaffirmed his full support for the President should a strategic agreement on the solution of the Cyprus problem be reached. Regarding his own political future, Neophytou stated he will make decisions in December, depending on whether substantive progress is achieved in the negotiations by that time. Should he be a candidate for the 2028 presidential election and a breakthrough occurs, he pledged to withdraw his candidacy and support the President.