Discussion on the issue of crossing points in Cyprus is expected to continue next week at the negotiators’ level, CNA has learnt.
President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides and the leader of the Turkish Cypriots, Ersin Tatar, met on Monday and had an open and constructive discussion, a joint statement issued after the meeting said, adding both leaders believe that the opening of new crossing points is critical to promote people-to-people contacts, strengthen economic ties, and build trust.
According to sources, the Greek Cypriot side has expressed readiness to hold the meeting this week but the Turkish Cypriot side asked for more time and the meeting between Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou and his Turkish Cypriot counterpart Gunes Onar, will probably take place next week.
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.
On October 15, 2024, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hosted an informal dinner with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar in New York, encouraging “the leaders to consider how to bridge the gap in their positions and rebuild trust to allow movement leading to a settlement.”
At the meeting, President Christodoulides and Tatar agreed to have an informal meeting in a broader format in the near future, under the auspices of the Secretary-General, to discuss the way forward. They also agreed to have a meeting in Cyprus to explore the possibility of opening new crossings.
Also read: Tatar claims Christodoulides exceeded New York terms
Source: CNA
