Nicosia:President Nikos Christodoulides of the Republic expressed his readiness on Monday to meet with the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, should Holguin find it necessary to convene today or tomorrow.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides, speaking to journalists before attending the Annual General Assembly of the Association of Large Investment Projects in Nicosia, stated that responses are anticipated regarding proposals submitted by the Greek Cypriot side and issues discussed with Holguin.
President Christodoulides emphasized his willingness to adjust his schedule to facilitate a joint meeting with Holguin and the Turkish Cypriot leader if needed, following her meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader on Monday. He also indicated his availability for a personal meeting with Holguin. He expressed hope that these interactions would lead to a joint meeting, noting that achieving an expanded meeting before the current UN Secretary-General's term ends is an "absolutely feasible goal," contingent on political will.
The President mentioned that the Greek Cypriot side continues to submit proposals and suggestions to demonstrate its political will and readiness for an expanded meeting, during which the resumption of talks would be announced. He also noted that the Turkish Cypriot leader would be unavailable from Wednesday to Friday.
In response to queries about a potential meeting between Holguin and leaders of occupied municipalities and communities, Christodoulides said he was not aware of her schedule but encouraged her to respond positively to their request.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 due to Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern region. Numerous UN-led peace talks have been unsuccessful due to Turkish intransigence, with the last negotiations in 2017 ending without resolution. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres plans another broader meeting, with no timeline specified, contingent on adequate preparation and consensus from both sides and guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, as Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is engaging the parties, with Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto succeeding Johannes Hahn as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus.