Akel leader Stefanos Stefanou has called for the Greek Cypriot side to clearly define its stance on the Cyprus problem following the National Council meeting on Monday. He emphasized the importance of reaffirming the commitment to resume negotiations from where they were interrupted in 2017, utilizing the framework proposed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at Crans-Montana.

Stefanou highlighted that the key to restarting talks lies with Turkey and stressed the need for a strategic political will to move negotiations forward swiftly. While UN efforts continue, including meetings by Guterres’ envoy Maria Angela Holguin with officials in Ankara and Athens, Stefanou expressed uncertainty about achieving a strategic understanding before the end of Guterres’ term. However, he noted the Secretary-General aims to leave a foundation for his successor to continue.

The discussions come amid ongoing diplomatic activities, including planned enlarged meetings involving Cyprus’s two sides, guarantor powers, and the UN, expected by late July or early August. Leaders on both sides stress the need for tangible results from these talks to meaningfully advance the peace process.