Christodoulides says new Cyprus proposals could bring positive developments

Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday that new proposals presented by the Greek Cypriot side to Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman could lead to “positive developments” as soon as next week, provided there is political will.

He said Erhurman would study the proposals and had not reacted negatively during their latest meeting.

Meeting proposals

Speaking to reporters at the presidential palace after the meeting, Christodoulides said the two leaders were not aligned on the issues discussed.

He said he had raised new points concerning all three areas: confidence-building measures, methodology and substance.

“It was a good meeting, as noted in the UN communique,” he said.

Christodoulides said Erhurman had reserved the right to examine the proposals, while he had provided further clarifications where requested.

UN meetings

The president said he would present the ideas, along with other measures prepared by the Greek Cypriot side, to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo during meetings in New York.

“I believe these proposals and ideas can lead us to positive developments as soon as possible,” he said.

Christodoulides declined to provide details of the proposals, saying he wished to brief the Secretary-General first and await Erhurman’s final position out of respect for the Turkish Cypriot leader.

Possible timing

Asked whether developments could emerge as early as next week, Christodoulides said this would depend on the positions eventually taken.

“These are ideas that, provided the necessary political will exists, could indeed lead to developments as early as next week. Speaking for our side, we are fully prepared,” he said.