President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Tuesday he would do his utmost for a settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN relevant resolutions, that will be compatible with the EU principles and values as well as the acquis, a settlement providing for a bizonal, bicommunal federation. 

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the World Conference of Cyprus Diaspora, Cristodoulides noted that the Cypriot diaspora is among the government's top priorities.

Christodoulides noted the unity there is among overseas Cypriots as regards their homeland, and expressed hope that we will follow their example here in Cyprus, especially when it comes to the big national issues.

Moreover he stressed that the overseas Cypriots constitute an unwavering pillar of support to Cyprus. He said that this year's Conference takes place during a crucial phase of the Cyprus problem, noting that during the last days Turkey has been trying to create new faits accomplis by extending  the occupation of the Cyprus Republic territory. He noted that if one sees Turkey's reactions as regards the UNSC press statement it is clear that what is happening to Cyprus is not due to the Turkish Cypriots but due to Turkey. 

Christodoulides expressed satisfaction over the SC's press statement and for the massive international reaction to the Turkish plans, the clear response to the Turkish President and the occupation regime.

Moreover he noted that the international community recognized the calm and very serious approach of the Cyprus government "which aimed apart from preventing the faits accomplis that we will never accept to sincerely our intention, serious approach and readiness for the resumption of the talks," adding that the Cyprus problem can only be solved through negotiations.

Christodoulides stressed that he will not stop working hard and that his sole priority and concern is to end the occupation through the resumption of the negotiations for a solution and reunification of the country.

He noted that there must be no doubt that he will do his utmost, intensively and methodically for a settlement on the basis of the UN relevant resolutions, that will be compatible with the EU principles and values and the acquis, a settlement providing for a bizonal, bicommunal federation, which will be functional and viable, adding that Cyprus will continue to be an EU member state after the solution.

Moreover he said that for himself a Cyprus settlement is the only way forward and that Cyprus' division as a result of the invasion and occupation by Turkey is an immense irregularity in Europe's heart and cannot in any case constitute the future of our country.

Our efforts focus on breaking the deadlock, through a central role of the EU, always within the UN framework, he added. 

He noted that "we focus on the EU aiming at a mutual benefit for all involved in the Cyprus problem through security, stability and prosperity which a Cyprus settlement can bring."

Christodoulides went on to say that most specifically the goal is to ling the EU-Turkish relations with the resumption of the negotiations for a Cyprus settlement, on the basis of the agreed form for a solution according to the European norms.

He underlined that "it is important that European partners view this issue in the same way as we do, that any progress in the EU-Turkey relations which is something very important for Turkey, is intertwined wit positive developments in the Cyprus problem."

Moreover he highlighted the significant role of overseas Cypriots as regards efforts to solve the Cyprus problem and announced the establishment of a Diaspora Museum which at first line will be available online and will present documents and other audio, visual, TV and other footage which is available since the first Conference that took place in 1976.

Moreover he announced that the Online Platform for Diaspora Cypriots will be available as of Wednesday.

Members of the Security Council condemned on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, the incidents in the buffer zone, in the village of Pyla, in Larnaca district, with assaults against UN peacekeepers, reiterating their full support for UNFICYP  

They also condemned the attacks on UN peacekeepers and the damage to UN vehicles by Turkish Cypriot personnel and wished a speedy and full recovery to the peacekeepers who were injured. They emphasized that "attacks against peacekeepers may constitute crimes under international law and reaffirmed their full commitment to the safety of all UN personnel." 

On Friday August 18, 2023 Turkish Cypriots punched and kicked a group of international peacekeepers who obstructed crews illegally working on a road that would encroach on a U.N. controlled buffer zone.  

The attack happened as peacekeepers stood in the way of work crews building a road to connect the Turkish occupied village of Arsos with the mixed Greek Cypriot-Turkish Cypriot village of Pyla, inside the buffer zone.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.