The need might arise to convene the National Council anew in early July, Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, announced on Monday evening.
While arriving at a graduation ceremony at the University of Cyprus, the President was asked by journalists about the first National Council that took place in the morning with the new composition after May's parliamentary elections, and said that it was "a constructive meeting, a discussion, during which I informed [the members] about the latest developments," adding that "we will be in constant contact."
The President said that "there may be a need for us to meet again in early July" noting that several processes are underway and "we hope that all these processes will lead to the desired outcome, which is the resumption of talks where they left off, utilizing the negotiating acquis. These are the things we discussed. I informed, I listened to some opinions, and we are moving forward."
Asked whether the resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to affect developments in the Cyprus issue, he said that "under no circumstances does it affect the ongoing effort." He noted that for the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, Maria Angela Holguin, the priority is New York and the Secretary-General, Brussels, Greece, Turkey "and of course Cyprus. So [Starmer's resignation] does not have an impact, and I do not believe it will have an impact in any way" on efforts to resume talks for a Cyprus settlement, he said.
Moreover, the President mentioned, "in relation to the process that is underway and the goals that have been set, the change of Prime Minister and consequently of the government in the United Kingdom is expected in September."
