Christodoulides expresses readiness for immediate expanded conference on Cyprus issue

President Nikos Christodoulides stated on February 15, 2026, his immediate readiness to participate in an expanded conference regarding the Cyprus issue. Speaking in Nicosia after Saint Maron celebrations, he rejected claims that upcoming May parliamentary elections or Cyprus’s EU Council Presidency pose obstacles to negotiations, labeling such arguments as "ridiculous." Christodoulides called for the resumption of talks from the point they stopped at Crans-Montana, emphasizing respect for the negotiating acquis. He challenged other parties to demonstrate their readiness through action rather than public statements. Regarding the Agios Dometios crossing point, the President noted that the Republic of Cyprus had long been prepared for road widening but faced delays within the buffer zone. He attributed these delays to a negative response from the Turkish Cypriot side, specifically citing the period under Ersin Tatar's leadership. Christodoulides reiterated that he is prepared to meet in New York as early as the following week if requested by the UN Secretary-General.