Nicosia: In a significant development towards resolving the longstanding Cyprus issue, both Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman have reaffirmed their commitment to participate in the next informal meeting organized by the United Nations Secretary-General. The leaders have pledged to work towards producing tangible results for both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, aiming to ensure the success of the forthcoming meeting in a broader format.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the announcement was made by a UN spokesperson following a meeting between the two leaders, which lasted more than three hours. The meeting was facilitated by Mara Angela Holgun Cullar, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, and took place at the premises of the United Nations Good Offices Mission in Nicosia.
The UN reported that the meeting occurred in a positive and friendly atmosphere, with the leaders exchanging views on a wide range of issues. Their discussions were aimed at creating a conducive climate for settlement and advancing efforts to reach a solution to the Cyprus issue. Both leaders underscored that the ultimate goal is the resolution of the Cyprus problem with political equality as described in UN Security Council Resolutions. They emphasized that while confidence-building measures are vital for creating a supportive environment, they are not substitutes for achieving a comprehensive solution.
Furthermore, the UN press statement noted that the leaders reviewed previously agreed trust-building initiatives and discussed new ideas. They agreed to focus on reaching agreements as soon as possible, particularly concerning the opening of new crossing points, the Halloumi/Hellim issue, and the construction of pipelines from the Mia Milia/Haspolat Water Treatment Plant.
Both leaders also consented to increasing staff at the crossing points and welcomed ongoing work for the widening of the road at the Agios Dometios/Metehan crossing point, with anticipation of its completion in the coming months. They expressed their readiness to meet as often as necessary and instructed their representatives to maintain regular meetings.
Preceding their meeting, Christodoulides and Erhurman visited the anthropological laboratory of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) in Cyprus. The leaders expressed profound appreciation for the humanitarian efforts conducted by the CMP, including the work of Committee members, laboratory personnel, and all involved staff and donors. They emphasized the importance of keeping the CMP's work free from political interference and called on all parties to abstain from politicizing this humanitarian initiative.
The leaders also urged individuals with information on potential burial sites to share it with the CMP, assuring that confidentiality will be strictly maintained. Following their meeting with Holgun and the CMP laboratory visit, the leaders attended an end-of-the-year reception hosted by the UN.