Christodoulides to meet UN envoy Holguin ahead of November 9 trilateral with Erhurman

Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides is set to hold talks with the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, at 3.15pm on Tuesday. The meeting comes as work continues towards a trilateral gathering with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman on November 9.

Talks and Greek Cypriot expectations

Tuesday’s meeting follows Holguin’s discussions with Erhurman on Monday. Christodoulides said on Monday that the Greek Cypriot side was waiting for replies to concrete proposals it had tabled, and to matters raised at his earlier meeting with the envoy.

Related: Christodoulides to Meet UN Envoy Holguin as Preparations Continue for November 9 Trilateral Talks

RelatedChristodoulides to Meet UN Envoy Holguin as Preparations Continue for November 9 Trilateral Talks

He added that he was ready to alter his schedule so that a joint meeting of the three could be held sooner, even on Monday afternoon or on Tuesday, if Holguin saw the need. According to the president, he also told her he was prepared to meet her separately if she judged a joint session unnecessary.

Holguin’s outlook

After seeing Erhurman, Holguin described the talks as positive and said she remained optimistic ahead of the trilateral meeting. She recalled that she had said the same in the south of Cyprus a few days earlier and added: “I hope I am not the only optimistic person on the island.”

Famagusta and Morphou delegations

On Saturday, before the November 9 meeting, Holguin is due to see delegations from the Famagusta and Morphou municipalities. Famagusta mayor Simos Ioannou is expected to present a proposal under which the fenced-off area of Varosha would go back to its lawful residents under UN administration, while Famagusta port would open under EU supervision. Erhurman has already turned this idea down, saying it falls short of addressing direct trade adequately.

Possible 5+1 meeting

The envoy is also working towards a possible enlarged 5+1 meeting before the end of the year. It would bring together the two Cypriot sides, Greece, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United Nations. Holguin said that such a meeting would hinge on progress in confidence-building measures, the approach to future negotiations and the core issues.

Christodoulides said on Monday that this was an “entirely feasible goal” and that political will was what was required.