Nicosia:Nicosia is currently awaiting the confirmation of a date for a crucial tripartite meeting involving the leaders of Cyprus and the UN Secretary-General. President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, expressed on Friday his anticipation of a dual outcome from this meeting. The expected outcomes include advancements in confidence-building measures, as well as the announcement of a specific date for an expanded conference to resume negotiations on the Cyprus issue, which were previously suspended at Crans-Montana.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides shared his expectations for setting a date for the tripartite meeting after the UN Secretary-General returns from the Philippines, a visit following a Climate Change conference in Turkey. During the meeting, there is hope for further positive developments and the announcement of a specific date for the expanded conference, aiming to resume negotiations on the previously agreed framework.
President Christodoulides revealed that he had discussions with the UN Secretary-General in Turkey to establish a date for the meeting after the latter's return from the Philippines. He emphasized the dual objectives of the tripartite meeting, which include fostering positive developments in confidence-building measures and setting a date for the expanded conference.
In response to inquiries about the upcoming visit to Ankara on November 20 by the European Commission's Executive Vice-President and EU Special Representative for Cyprus, Raffaele Fitto, President Christodoulides conveyed optimism. He noted a productive telephone conversation with Fitto and reiterated the clear direction of seeking positive developments in EU-Turkey relations, contingent upon progress on the Cyprus issue.
President Christodoulides also mentioned ongoing communications with Fitto, stressing the importance of their discussions before and after Fitto's visit to Turkey. Furthermore, he addressed Turkish reactions to seabed surveys related to the Great Sea Interconnector electricity cable, affirming continued survey activities in cooperation with France and Greece.
The President highlighted discussions with the President of the European Commission on the seabed surveys, noting the project's significance to the EU and its receipt of a £657 million grant from the European Union. He also mentioned the possibility of additional EU funding, confirming that the surveys are proceeding as planned.
Source Cyprus News Agency