Nicosia: “Not the outcome I was expecting,” said the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, following a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar on Monday. Christodoulides expressed disappointment, noting that the ‘yavas yavas approach,’ a Turkish phrase implying a slow pace, is ineffective for resolving the Cyprus issue.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting took place at Ledra Palas, within the Nicosia buffer zone. During his remarks, President Christodoulides reiterated that the executive branch cannot interfere with the judiciary’s responsibilities. This statement came in response to comments from Tatar about prosecutions concerning the usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties in Turkish-occupied areas. Christodoulides emphasized, “There is no interference by the executive branch in the judiciary in any democratic country. We have said this many times.”
Before heading to the meeting, the President addressed the media at the Presidential Palace, urging for political will. “There is much that can be announced today-if the political will is there,” he stated, highlighting his readiness to engage constructively in discussions. Both leaders had committed to the United Nations Secretary-General to strive for tangible results benefiting all Cypriots.
President Christodoulides confirmed that Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus, will begin her mandate on May 12. Her visit to Cyprus will follow, with preparations needed in Nicosia, Ankara, Athens, London, and the EU. He anticipated positive developments in the coming days and hours, aligning with efforts for an expanded summit in late July.
Christodoulides mentioned his request for Holguin to be present in Cyprus regularly, maintaining open communication with Turkey. He underscored the necessity of Ankara’s involvement, stating, “Continuous engagement with Turkey is essential if we are to move forward.” Christodoulides also noted discussions with UN leadership, stressing the importance of Holguin’s active role to achieve results by the July summit.
The President acknowledged progress from previous meetings with Tatar, citing the establishment of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Youth as a significant step. Cyprus has remained divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite repeated UN-led peace talks, negotiations have not succeeded, with the last round ending inconclusively in 2017.
An informal meeting on Cyprus is scheduled for the end of July, as announced by the UN Secretary-General, following a similar meeting in Geneva in March. Both sides agreed to several initiatives, including opening crossing points and forming the Technical Committee on Youth. Recently, UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres appointed Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus to reengage parties and advise on next steps.