Nicosia: President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides expressed on Thursday his readiness to open the crossing points that had been agreed at the expanded conference on the Cyprus issue, stressing that they must serve the day-to-day needs of all Cypriots. He underlined that the key objective is to open crossings that serve both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides, speaking on arrival at the Battlefield ReDEFiNED conference in Nicosia, addressed a suggestion by the Mayor of Nicosia for the opening of a crossing point at Kaimakli, a suburb adjacent to the UN-administered buffer zone. He stated that discussions with the Greek Cypriot negotiator and the Mayor had taken place regarding this proposal.
The President emphasized that the focus should be on opening crossings that benefit both communities. He mentioned readiness for crossings at Kaimakli and Mia Milia but stressed that crossings like Athienou-Aglantzia or Kokkina should also be opened to ensure Greek Cypriots are equally served.
He reiterated the importance of facilitating the daily life of all Cypriots through these crossings and expressed his willingness to open all four crossings agreed upon at the expanded conference with the UN Secretary-General. Mutual satisfaction for all Cypriots remains a priority.
Addressing whether the Kaimakli crossing point is under discussion, the President clarified that it has been proposed as an alternative to opening Mia Milia. He also responded to concerns about the Agios Dometios crossing, highlighting steps taken to address issues there, including the opening of a third lane and strengthening staff to manage challenges.
He welcomed suggestions on crossing points from municipal authorities, noting that various proposals have been assessed to ensure service for both Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
Regarding the initiative for a one-on-one meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader, the President confirmed that such meetings are not new and expressed readiness to continue them to resume talks from their interruption at Crans-Montana. He also showed willingness for an immediate expanded conference to advance the peace process.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite multiple rounds of UN-led peace talks, a resolution has not been reached, primarily due to Turkish intransigence. The latest negotiations in 2017 at Crans-Montana ended without success.
In 2025, the UN Secretary-General hosted informal meetings on Cyprus in Geneva and New York, with a tripartite meeting with Cyprus leaders occurring in September. An expected broader informal meeting by the end of 2025 has yet to be announced.
Mara Angela Holgun, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked with engaging the parties, while former European Commissioner Johannes Hahn is expected to contribute to the settlement process alongside Holgun.