Nicosia: Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis emphasized the critical need for genuine political will to resume Cyprus settlement talks, highlighting Wednesday's meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman as a significant opportunity.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Letymbiotis spoke after President Christodoulides' meeting with UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Mara Angela Holgun, at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. He noted that the President had a productive meeting, where Holgun was briefed on her engagements since her last visit in December.
Letymbiotis stated that President Christodoulides laid out his strategy for resuming negotiations, focusing on continuing the progress made in previous talks. He is expected to present this strategy during Wednesday's meeting with Erhurman, where he will propose how to restart discussions effectively.
"If there is real political will, it will be demonstrated at the negotiating table," Letymbiotis remarked. He stressed the importance of returning to negotiations as soon as possible, in line with UN Security Council resolutions, from where they last left off in Crans-Montana.
The meeting will also address the four-point methodology proposed by the Turkish Cypriot leader. Letymbiotis reiterated President Christodoulides's position, which has been communicated both publicly and privately with Erhurman, with Holgun present.
"This is the moment for sincere political will," Letymbiotis said, emphasizing the need for negotiations to resume. He also noted that political equality was documented in the latest joint communiqu©, aligning with UN Security Council resolutions.
Regarding confidence-building measures (CBMs), Letymbiotis clarified that while they would be discussed, they cannot replace substantive negotiations. He highlighted the Greek Cypriot side's constructive proposals, such as opening a pedestrian crossing point to foster a positive negotiation climate.
Letymbiotis responded to Holgun's expressed frustration over the lack of progress on CBMs, stressing the Greek Cypriot side's constructive approach. He highlighted that the same test of political will applies to both CBMs and negotiations.
He concluded by noting that the UN Secretary-General announced plans for a new expanded meeting before the end of 2025, and the government remains ready to engage in substantive discussions. Holgun also briefed the President on her recent engagements, including efforts under the UN Secretary-General's mandate to restart talks.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. UN-led peace talks have repeatedly stalled, with the latest negotiations in Crans-Montana ending inconclusively in July 2017. Efforts continue to create conditions favorable for negotiations, with contributions from Mara Angela Holgun and former European Commissioner Johannes Hahn.