cyprus talks — President Nikos Christodoulides emphasised his aim to resume Cyprus talks during his initial meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman on Thursday. “I go with the sole aim of achieving positive results towards resuming talks from where they were interrupted at Crans-Montana,” he stated ahead of the meeting.
- Holguin participated in the meeting via videoconference from Lima, Peru, while Erhurman was accompanied by Mehmet Dana, who is set to be appointed as the new negotiator for the Turkish Cypriot side.
- Following their discussions, Erhurman addressed the press at the presidency at 11 am, fielding questions from journalists eager for insights on the outcome of the meeting.
The discussion took place at the residence of the United Nations secretary-general’s special representative, Khassim Diagne, near the old Nicosia airport. Lasting around one hour, the meeting was characterised by a cordial exchange of views between the two leaders.
Both Erhurman and Christodoulides expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming visit of UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin, agreeing to hold a joint meeting with her upon her arrival in early December. They also conveyed their willingness to prepare for another informal meeting in a broader format, facilitated by the secretary-general.
To facilitate this, their representatives have been instructed to engage regularly to lay the groundwork for Holguin’s visit and the broader informal meeting. Christodoulides arrived first, accompanied by negotiator Menelaos Menelaou, and expressed optimism about the proposals he brought with him.
As he departed for the meeting from the presidential palace, Christodoulides shared his hope for a constructive response from the Turkish Cypriot side. “I have with me several proposals and I sincerely hope there will be the same approach, a response, and that after the meeting there will be good news to announce,” he remarked.
Holguin participated in the meeting via videoconference from Lima, Peru, while Erhurman was accompanied by Mehmet Dana, who is set to be appointed as the new negotiator for the Turkish Cypriot side.
Following their discussions, Erhurman addressed the press at the presidency at 11 am, fielding questions from journalists eager for insights on the outcome of the meeting.
In statements earlier this week, President Christodoulides reiterated his hope for tangible results from the talks that could pave the way for renewed negotiations on the Cyprus issue. He specifically referenced the discussions that had previously taken place at Crans-Montana, expressing a desire for a positive outcome.
With both leaders committed to moving forward, the meeting signifies a crucial step for the Cypriot leadership and the Turkish Cypriot community, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their dialogue.
