Ayia Napa, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday he is optimistic about restarting negotiations on the Cyprus problem and expects a positive response from Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman. He said he sees no reason for the Turkish Cypriot leader not to accept a meeting.
Comments after charity run
Speaking after participating in a charity run in Ayia Napa, Christodoulides said there is “no reason for the Turkish Cypriot leader not to accept a meeting.” He added that he is optimistic based on what he has heard from the UN secretary-general and hopes for a similar response from other sides, so that political will and planning can be turned into a concrete initiative.
Talks with UN chief and reported framework
Christodoulides’s comments followed discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is reportedly preparing a settlement framework intended to guide his successor after his term ends in December. According to information reported by Phileleftheros, the framework would broadly mirror Guterres’ proposed 2017 model and address sovereignty, the powers of the central government, and provisions on troop withdrawal, without specifying timing or methodology.
Reported three-step approach
Guterres has reportedly proposed a three-step approach: reaffirm past convergences from Crans-Montana, form a single unifying citizenship, sovereignty and international representation for the post-solution state, and convene a new international conference to resume negotiations.
Focus on substance and timing
Christodoulides said confidence-building measures alone cannot substitute for substantive negotiations, and that he and Guterres share a common goal focused on the substance of the Cyprus issue. He added that both share the view that progress should be achieved before the end of the UN chief’s term in December.
Proposed date for new meeting
Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Friday that the government has previously suggested a specific date for a new meeting between Christodoulides and Erhurman and is awaiting a response from the Turkish Cypriot side.
What do you think should be the priority topic if Christodoulides and Erhurman meet?
