Nicosia, Cyprus. The United Nations said it hopes additional crossing points between Cyprus’ two sides will open “as soon as possible,” according to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesman Stephane Dujarric. Guterres is due to meet Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman on Wednesday.
UN envoy and confidence-building measures
Dujarric told journalists on Monday that UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin “continues to work with the two leaders, including to advance the agreed confidence-building measures, and in particular to open additional crossing points as soon as possible”. He said the leaders “must demonstrate political will in order to gain momentum, strengthen confidence, and advance the process towards a possible resumption of negotiations”.
Planned meetings with Cypriot leaders
Dujarric described Guterres’ scheduled meeting with Erhurman as “an opportunity for first acquaintance … and a discussion on the Cyprus problem”. He added that Guterres will also meet President Nikos Christodoulides “in due course”.
Previous exchanges of letters
Erhurman and Guterres have not met in person since Erhurman was elected in October last year, though they exchanged letters following the election. In his letter, Guterres said he wished to “reaffirm my unwavering commitment to the security and the wellbeing of Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots” and that he is “ready to serve this purpose”. He also referred to “the UN’s readiness to support efforts to find a sustainable solution in Cyprus which will benefit all Cypriots and contribute to peace in the region”.
In response, Erhurman said he looks forward to “working closely and resolutely” with Guterres “to achieve a just, viable, and lasting solution” to the Cyprus problem, adding that he believes such a solution would have “positive impacts” on the region.
What do you think would help build the political will needed to open additional crossing points?
