Nicosia, Cyprus. Former Disy leader Averof Neophytou warned that Cyprus risks “being trapped” if progress on confidence-building measures between the island’s two sides is not achieved. He said comments by UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin were “not encouraging”.
Neophytou’s warning and message to the president
Neophytou wrote on social media that if there is no quick progress “without hindrance,” Cyprus risks being trapped again, with the future of the Cyprus issue becoming extremely uncertain.
Earlier, speaking in parliament, he said he wished to send a message to President Nikos Christodoulides, urging him not to get stuck on the issue of crossing points and suggesting that a crossing point could pave the way for substantive negotiations on the Cyprus issue.
Holguin cites limited progress, sees potential in tripartite meeting
After meeting Christodoulides, Holguin said “not much progress” had been made on confidence-building measures since her previous visit to the island last month.
Later, following a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman, she said a tripartite meeting with both leaders on Wednesday would be “of substance.” She said the parties would look at both sides’ concerns about how talks will resume and added she expects news on the confidence-building measures.
Crossing points expected on Wednesday agenda
The issue of crossing points is expected to be raised on Wednesday, after Erhurman said last week he wants a second vehicular crossing point in Nicosia to complement the often overcrowded Ayios Dhometios crossing point.
What progress, if any, will be announced after the tripartite meeting on Wednesday?