Nicosia:President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides stated that the Greek Cypriot side's proposal regarding the fenced-off area of Famagusta remains open for discussion, even after being rejected by the Turkish Cypriot side. He emphasized that bold confidence-building measures could potentially lead to a resolution of the Cyprus problem.

According to Cyprus News Agency, during a meeting with Famagusta Mayor Simos Ioannou and members of the Municipal Council, President Christodoulides mentioned that the initiative is built on previous discussions, including those from 2005, but differs from earlier proposals. He noted that the initial response to the latest proposal was an agreement to examine it, but it was eventually rejected in a recent meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman.

President Christodoulides expressed his willingness to collaborate with the Municipality to modify the proposal, aiming for a positive outcome. He also highlighted proposals for opening new crossing points and expressed hope for progress in his forthcoming meeting with Erhurman. Additionally, he mentioned the importance of the upcoming visit by the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguin.

Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis clarified that the proposal includes the return of the fenced-off area of Famagusta under UN Security Council resolutions, alongside the operation of Famagusta port under the European Commission's auspices. He emphasized that the proposal, one of 19 submitted by the President, could benefit both communities and aligns with UN priorities.

Famagusta Mayor Simos Ioannou supported the President’s initiative, suggesting a temporary buffer zone under UN auspices for the fenced-off area. He stressed the need for Turkish Cypriot engagement to explain the benefits of the proposal, which aims to aid in resolving the Cyprus issue.