Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis described the recent illegal elections in the occupied areas of Cyprus as opening “a new chapter of hope and expectation” for the island’s reunification.
Commenting on the election of Tufan Erhürman as the new leader of the Turkish Cypriots, Mr. Gerapetritis said the choice signals a chance to revive peace and prosperity for both Greek and Turkish Cypriots within the European family, based on United Nations General Assembly decisions and Security Council resolutions.
“The will of the Turkish Cypriots to bring forward Tufan Erhürman opens a new chapter of hope and expectation for the reunification of the island,” he said.
“A reunification that will guarantee peace and prosperity for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots within the European family.”
Mr. Gerapetritis emphasized Greece’s close cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus and efforts to return the Cyprus issue to the United Nations Secretary-General’s agenda after a long period of stagnation. Informal talks are set to resume soon.
“We look forward to working together on the next steps in the upcoming expanded informal meeting,” he said. “Divisions have no place in today’s troubled international environment. Cyprus must send a universal message of unity and reconciliation.”
The statement reflects renewed diplomatic momentum toward resolving the long-running Cyprus conflict, which remains a key challenge in Greek-Turkish and EU-Turkish relations. Pasok and Syriza have also expressed support for peaceful solutions aligning with international frameworks.