Confidence-building measures (CBMs), particularly those concerning crossing points, are expected to be discussed at the August 26 meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, according to Cyprus News Agency (CNA) sources.
The sources said the two leaders are expected to discuss whether there is an intention on the Turkish Cypriot side to make progress on CBMs, particularly regarding crossing points.
The issue has already been discussed in the presence of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, while the Secretary-General has also submitted a proposal on the matter, which the Greek Cypriot side has viewed positively.
Negotiators to prepare for August meeting
The negotiators from the two sides are expected to meet ahead of the August 26 meeting to prepare for the discussions.
Regarding the expanded meeting on the Cyprus problem, the sources said efforts should continue to prepare for discussions on substantive issues.
A record of existing convergences is already being compiled. The document is expected to be shared with all parties involved, including the two sides in Cyprus and the three guarantor powers.
The UN Secretary-General is then expected to convene the expanded meeting.
Goal is to launch formal talks
According to the sources, the convergences are expected to be presented to the parties within the next few weeks.
The goal is for the expanded meeting to reach a decision on launching negotiations.
Guterres announced after his joint meeting with Christodoulides and Erhürman in Nicosia on July 29 that he had decided to convene another 5+1 meeting following appropriate preparation on confidence-building measures, methodology and substantive issues, taking into account the convergences already reached.
Also read: Cyprus seeks Jaguar armoured vehicles as pressure over Merkava tanks grows
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
