The National Council convenes today at 4 pm, called by President Nikos Christodoulides. He will provide updates on Cypriot issue developments. The meeting follows his discussion yesterday with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman. UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, attended the talks.
Substantive discussions at UN offices
After the meeting at the UN offices in the old Nicosia airport, President Christodoulides said he was pleased to discuss the core issues of the Cypriot issue. He also noted the specific reference in the UNFICYP spokesperson’s statement.
He added that Ms Holguin’s upcoming visits to Athens and Ankara will determine the date for the informal five-party conference.
“I am pleased because the first part of the meeting addressed substantive discussions regarding the Cypriot issue,” the President said. He added that this is reflected in the UN communiqué and Security Council resolutions.
Reviewing confidence-building measures
The President said the meeting reviewed confidence-building measures from previous conferences. Both sides agreed to focus on specific issues.
Commitment to tangible results
A UN spokesperson stated that the leaders pledged to continue working towards tangible results. They aim to benefit Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. The leaders also agreed to ensure the success of the next informal meeting in a broader format.
The statement emphasised that “the two leaders agreed that the real goal is to resolve the Cypriot issue with political equality, as described in UN Security Council resolutions. Confidence-building measures support a favourable environment but do not replace achieving a solution to the Cypriot issue.”
The meeting took place in a positive and friendly atmosphere. The leaders exchanged views on a wide range of topics. Their goal was to create a climate conducive to settlement and to advance efforts to resolve the Cypriot issue.
Also read: Christodoulides-Erhürman-Holguín: progress on key issues
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