President heads to New York tomorrow for second UN-led meeting with Tatar

President Nikos Christodoulides said that he is heading to New York on 16-17 July with the clear objective to create the conditions necessary for the resumption of Cyprus talks, while being prepared with alternative scenarios for how to proceed.

Speaking to journalists as he arrived at an event, President Christodoulides stressed that his goal is to revive the dialogue process by building on the existing negotiating framework.

“I am going to New York with a clear goal: to create the conditions for a resumption of negotiations,” he said, adding that he does not underestimate the difficulties, challenges, and obstacles involved. He reminded that at the start of this effort, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar had even refused to attend a social meeting and set conditions for any UN-led gathering.

The President pointed out that important developments have taken place, including the first informal conference, important diplomatic appointments and reappointments, and the expressed interest of the European Union to play a more active role in the process.

He stressed that he is travelling to New York with one purpose: “What matters to me is how the conditions will be created to lead to the resumption of negotiations, making use of the negotiating acquis, with the one and only objective of resolving the Cyprus issue on the basis of the agreed framework.” 

Responding to a journalist’s question on whether there are specific proposals to break through Turkish intransigence, President Christodoulides noted that he has “several alternative scenarios” for how to proceed at the discussions table, depending on how developments unfold.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres announced that an informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format would be held this month, following a similar meeting in Geneva, on March 17-18. The two sides agreed to proceed with a number of initiatives, involving the opening of crossing points, the creation of a Technical Committee on Youth and other initiatives in the buffer zone and throughout the island. The meeting is taking place on July 16-17.

Guterres announced in early May the appointment of María Angela Holguín Cuéllar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus, who is tasked to reengage with the parties in order to work on next steps on the Cyprus issue and advise him. Holguín completed a previous assignment as Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on Cyprus from January to July 2024.

The European Commission designated Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus to contribute to the settlement process, in close cooperation with Holguín.

(Source: CNA)