Federation hosts working dinner with the Greek Cypriot Negotiator, Menelaos Menelaou

The Officers of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK hosted a working dinner on Tuesday 30 September at the premises of the Brotherhood, with the Greek Cypriot Negotiator for the Cyprus problem, Menelaos Menelaou. Menelaou was accompanied by the High Commissioner of Republic of Cyprus, Dr. Kyriacόs Kouros, and the Consul General Odysseas Odysseos.

Welcoming the Negotiator at the meeting, the Federation’s President Christos Karaolis, said “thank you for joining us to discuss the ongoing UN-led efforts to restart talks for a solution to the Cyprus problem, as well as the role of the UK Government in the talks”.

In his remarks, Mr Menelaou emphasised that the key challenge to restarting talks remains the position of the Turkish Cypriot leadership. He said that that whilst President Christodoulides continues to advocate for a solution within the agreed UN framework, unfortunately, Mr Tatar continues to publicly oppose the agreed framework with his unacceptable position for permanent partition.

Menelaou also exchanged views with the Federation’s Office on the potential implications of the vote for a new Turkish Cypriot Leader in the occupied areas on Sunday 19 October. He highlighted that the Greek Cypriot side is ready for any outcome, and immediately ready to resume negotiations within the agreed UN framework and to commence negotiations from where they left off in Crans Montana in July 2017.

Also in attendance were Federation Vice-Presidents Bambos Charalambous and Michalis Ellinas; Executive Secretary Andreas Karaolis and Assistant Executive Secretary George Tsolakis.