The meeting between the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar on the issue of opening new crossing points has concluded. The meeting was held at the residence of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Cyprus, Colin Stewart, at Nicosia airport.
It was agreed that another meeting will take place between Christodoulides and Tatar.
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar was the first to arrive, accompanied by his “special representative,” Gunes Onar. Shortly after, President Nikos Christodoulides arrived, accompanied by the Greek Cypriot negotiator, Menelaos Menelaou.
An announcement from the Special Representative is expected following the meeting’s conclusion, according to current information.
This meeting follows agreements made during an informal dinner hosted by the UN Secretary-General in New York on 15 October 2024, attended by the President and the Turkish Cypriot leader.
The Greek Cypriot side has long submitted proposals during meetings with Mr Stewart, aiming to open crossings at Pyroi and Kokkina. The Turkish Cypriot side has proposed opening a proper checkpoint at Mia Milia.
The Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, had stated in recent days that the Greek Cypriot side approached the meeting with full commitment and a constructive attitude to achieve progress. He added that the necessary preparations had been made, with specific proposals and positions submitted, and expressed hope that these would be discussed with sincere and positive intentions.
Specific proposals submitted
President Christodoulides emphasised that he approached the meeting with specific proposals and was prepared for positive announcements regarding the opening of new crossing points, noting that the outcome would depend on Tatar’s stance.
Before leaving the Presidential Palace for the meeting at Colin Stewart’s residence in the Buffer Zone, the President explained that he had specific approaches and proposals designed for the benefit of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. He indicated he was fully prepared to announce positive results, provided the other side responded positively.
He conveyed that his team was taking a highly constructive approach, with concrete suggestions that considered the concerns, priorities, and worries of the entire Cypriot population. He stated that alternative proposals were ready in case circumstances evolved differently, but the primary aim was to achieve an agreement.
Christodoulides reiterated that his administration had actively pursued this meeting and expressed hope that Tatar would approach it with a positive mindset. If this were the case, he was confident that progress and announcements could follow. If not, he assured that the situation would be handled accordingly.
Regarding concerns about whether a lack of agreement could negatively affect the informal five-party meeting, Christodoulides clarified that the two were not directly connected. However, he acknowledged that a positive outcome would certainly facilitate the five-party talks, although it was not a prerequisite.
It was noted that the Greek Cypriot side had already submitted proposals for crossings at Pyroi and Kokkina, while the Turkish Cypriot side had suggested opening a checkpoint at Mia Milia.
Also read: What Christodoulides said before meeting Tatar
Source: CNA
