Nicosia: President Nikos Christodoulides spoke on Thursday about submitting new ideas that could lead to positive developments in the Cyprus issue, following his meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman. He expressed the Greek Cypriot side's readiness to extend their stay in New York if the UN Secretary-General considers it possible to hold a joint meeting between the two leaders or an expanded conference.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the President mentioned that the meeting did not follow the same pattern as previous ones, as he raised new points regarding confidence-building measures, methodology, and substance. Christodoulides noted that the Turkish Cypriot leader did not respond negatively to the proposals, and further clarification was requested on some points, which he provided.
The President plans to discuss these ideas with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Mara ngela Holgun before informing the Cypriot people. He believes these proposals can lead to positive developments soon, depending on the final positions taken on them.
Christodoulides emphasized that the necessary political will could lead to developments as early as next week, noting that his side is fully prepared. Preparatory work has been carried out for upcoming meetings in New York, aiming to resume talks and achieve positive outcomes for the Cyprus issue.
Some of the proposals relate to the European Union dimension, with the Greek Cypriot side working towards positive developments. While some ideas are new, others build on existing proposals with upgrades.
The President stated that issues with differing approaches were set aside, and the focus remains on achieving results through new ideas under the headings of confidence-building measures, methodology, and substance.
Regarding a potential trilateral meeting with the UN Secretary-General, Christodoulides said it would be the Secretary-General's decision. The Greek Cypriot side is prepared to stay in New York longer if needed for such a meeting.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. UN-led peace talks have not yet yielded results. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres plans to convene another meeting in a broader format after adequate preparation, having secured consensus from both sides and guarantor powers. Mara Angela Holgun and Raffaele Fitto play significant roles in the ongoing efforts for a resolution.