President Nikos Christodoulides convened the streamlined National Council on Monday to inform parliamentary party leaders about the latest UN peace initiative regarding Cyprus. The council now includes just six leaders, with two attending for the first time. The meeting also saw significant representation from government officials, though the purpose of their involvement remains unclear given the stalled peace talks.

Despite calls for unity from various participants, including government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis and DISY leader Annita Demetriou, the council appears increasingly ceremonial. Divisions persist, notably with ELAM opposing a federal settlement and DIKO expressing reservations about a bizonal, bicommunal federation. Observers note that the National Council has produced platitudes rather than actionable debate for some time.

Critics argue that rather than convening broad national council meetings, President Christodoulides might achieve more through direct, individual briefings to party leaders, reserving full council gatherings for when a peace agreement is within reach and broad political support is essential.