To show leadership, flexibility and willingness to compromise, the Deputy Director General of DG REFORM of the European Commission, Judith Rosa, called on the leaders of Cyprus, noting that building trust is a necessary condition for success.
Speaking at a panel discussion on "Can the Cyprus Reunification Negotiations Regain Pace?" in the framework of the 20th Conference of the Economist, in Nicosia, Ms. Rosa also pointed out that measures such as opening new transit points and improving living conditions for both communities could send strong messages of progress.
"The current efforts of the UN, especially those of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, are remarkable in the face of global challenges. Cyprus must take advantage of this opportunity," he said.
Rosa expressed hope that 2024 will mark the beginning of the final push towards reunification of Cyprus, pointing to improved EU-Turkey and Greece-Turkey relations as favorable factors.
"The EU fully supports these developments and will help ensure that any final agreement complies with European law," it said.
He also emphasized the importance of civil society in the process of reconciliation and resolution of the Cyprus issue. He called for a greater involvement and a more structured role of civil society organizations in order to strengthen trust and create the right conditions for reunification.
"Generations have grown up on a divided island, and the resolution process will not work if civil society is not actively involved. At the same time, her participation must be done in a structured way and in a supportive environment," said Ms. Rosa.
He praised recent developments, such as the informal dinner hosted by the UN Secretary-General in New York and planned meetings to explore new transit points and expanded cooperation. He underlined that the European Union is ready to support these efforts with every available means.
"Our hope is that these steps will lead to the resumption of negotiations under the UN framework, with the ultimate goal of the reunification of Cyprus. However, the process must remain Cypriot and under Cypriot ownership," he noted.
Source: KYPE
