President discusses interconnector, response to Erdogan in New York
President Nikos Christodoulides discussed Cyprus’ electrical interconnection, among other topics, at a trilateral meeting held between Cyprus, Greece, and France, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting.
The meeting, held on Tuesday evening in New York, was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. In statements after the meeting, Christodoulides also said that he would respond to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s speech.
Erdogan earlier, during his address to the 79th UN General Assembly had said that the federal model for a solution to the Cyprus problem had lost its validity and called again for international recognition of the breakaway ‘TRNC’.
Unsettling developments in the Middle East were the topic dominating all discussions, Christodoulides said, referring to the latest escalation of violence between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
“Within this context, during our joint meeting with the French president and the Greek prime minister, taking into account France’s particular interest in the developments in the region, we discussed […] how the situation [and] serious risks, can be addressed,” Christodoulides said.
The electrical interconnection between Cyprus and Greece had been discussed in view of “strong French interest” in participating in its implementation, as a project of strategic importance, the president added.
He also said that during the upcoming meeting of EU’s Mediterranean states (MED9) in Paphos, regional developments would be the main topic, and welcomed King of Jordan Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein’s presence at the MED9 meeting, saying Jordan plays a pivotal role in the region’s stability.
Referring to his upcoming address to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, the president said he would address regional developments and the role Cyprus plays, “a role recognised by the UN Secretary-General and many foreign leaders.”
He also stated his intention to respond Erdogan’s earlier speech before the assembly, regarding both regional issues and the Cyprus problem, as well as address prospects for resuming negotiations.
Christodoulides will address the UN assembly plenary at 11.00 am EST and will subsequently speak before the security council on the promotion of peace and respect for the UN Charter.
He is also expected to participate in a lunch with the Hellenic American Council and meet Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani. Additionally, the president and the First Lady are expected to attend a reception hosted by the US presidential couple.