Nicosia: Substantive issues, specifically the areas of convergence, as well as matters concerning methodology and confidence-building measures (CBMs), were discussed during an almost three-hour meeting on Wednesday by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhrman at the offices of the United Nations Good Offices Mission, in the UN-protected area of Nicosia airport.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides described the meeting as positive, attributing the lengthy discussion to the depth and importance of the topics covered, particularly the areas of convergence. He emphasized the significance of safeguarding the negotiating acquis up to the final day at Crans-Montana.
The meeting also focused on methodology. President Christodoulides acknowledged the four points proposed by Erhrman and presented alternative approaches to enhance negotiation effectiveness. He highlighted the necessity of cross-negotiating all issues instead of isolating them.
Confidence-building measures were another significant topic of discussion. Christodoulides mentioned that the conversation extended beyond the usual crossing points, addressing additional locations agreed upon with the UN Secretary-General in March 2025 in Geneva. He introduced several proposals, including those concerning enclaved individuals, missing persons, and community-specific requests.
President Christodoulides stressed the importance of ensuring that any confidence-building measures bring both sides closer to a settlement aligned with the agreed framework. He expressed readiness to consider further unilateral measures by the Republic of Cyprus if talks resume, including 14 measures he previously announced.
The leaders agreed to continue their discussions weekly, with the potential for more frequent meetings. The announcement of the Consultative Body members, as previously proposed and accepted, is expected soon.
The President reiterated the importance of considering all crossing points, as discussed with the Secretary-General, and emphasized the need to maintain the negotiating acquis. He addressed Erhrman's methodological points, agreeing on convergence areas and rejecting predetermined outcomes as counterproductive.
Christodoulides proposed a cross-negotiation methodology, suggesting that interconnected chapters, like territory and property, should be discussed together. He anticipated the next meeting, highlighting the crucial role of UN Secretary-General's personal envoy Maria Angela Holgun in guiding discussions.
The President noted the informal milestone of the United Nations General Assembly week, where key parties would be present, offering an opportunity to assess progress and potentially announce the resumption of talks. However, he deemed it premature to discuss a joint meeting with the Secretary-General.
In response to Erhrman's concerns, Christodoulides attributed recent developments to the ongoing illegal state of affairs, emphasizing the urgency of working towards a settlement based on the agreed framework.
Cyprus remains divided since 1974, with repeated UN-led peace talks failing to produce results. The most recent negotiations in Crans-Montana ended without a resolution. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres plans to convene another meeting after adequate preparation, with Mara Angela Holgun actively engaging with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto serves as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus.