President Nikos Christodoulides will brief members of the National Council at 9:30am on Wednesday on his contacts in New York and the latest developments in the Cyprus talks.
The meeting will focus on developments surrounding the Cyprus problem, while members are also expected to exchange views on the next steps towards resuming substantive negotiations.
Christodoulides says there is no deadlock
On Tuesday, Christodoulides acknowledged that there are difficulties, problems and challenges surrounding the Cyprus issue, but said these should not be interpreted as an impasse.
He also said that efforts are being made by the European Union towards Turkey.
The President had earlier said that his New York meetings with UN Secretary-General António Guterres included discussion of new initiatives concerning the substance of the Cyprus issue, methodology and confidence-building measures. He said Guterres had received the proposals favourably and was working towards convening a broader meeting that could lead to the resumption of negotiations.
Menelaou points to next UN steps
Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou said the UN Secretary-General remains committed to exhausting every effort on the Cyprus issue until the end of his term.
Menelaou said the objective remains to convene an expanded meeting that could pave the way for the resumption of formal negotiations. He also said preparatory work had made significant progress, while further steps were still required.
A planned trilateral meeting between Guterres, Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman did not take place during the New York meetings. The Greek Cypriot side said it had been prepared to extend its stay in New York in an effort to facilitate the meeting.
Holguín expected in Cyprus in October
UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus Maria Angela Holguín is expected to visit Cyprus in October as efforts continue around the next steps in the peace process.
The National Council meeting will provide the political leadership with an opportunity to review the latest developments following the President’s New York contacts and discuss the way forward.
Also read: Holguin: “The window of opportunity is closing – Lack of will on CBMs”
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