No movement on crossing points at leaders’ meeting
Source: Cyprus Mail
The European Commission has welcomed discussions between President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar regarding the potential opening of new crossing points.
Speaking from Brussels, Commission spokesperson Maciej Berestecki highlighted that crossing points build trust between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
“The opening of crossing points enables both communities to meet and trade, fostering trust and paving the way for the eventual reunification of Cyprus,” said Berestecki.
He added that the European Union remains ready to support all stages of the process with the necessary resources, under the leadership of the United Nations.
President Christodoulides presented a package of eight proposals during his meeting with Tatar on Monday morning. The meeting was hosted by the UN Special Representative in Cyprus, Colin Stewart, at the residence in the UN buffer zone near Nicosia airport.
The package included suggestions related to crossing points and other ideas discussed earlier with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
After the meeting, President Christodoulides explained that while he was ready to move forward with the announcement of the proposals, Tatar was not yet able to make decisions. Christodoulides expressed his readiness to meet again once Tatar is prepared.
“I presented a package with eight points, including proposals on crossing points and other ideas we discussed with the UN secretary-general. He responded positively, but Tatar was not able to make decisions today,” Christodoulides said.
“If there had been a positive response, we could have moved forward with announcing all eight points.”
The eight proposals are interconnected, according Christodoulides, who stressed that they are not intended to be chosen individually but must be considered. These proposals include the establishment of a civil society advisory committee for the Cyprus problem, a truth committee, and a youth technical committee.
However, Christodoulides noted that Tatar had not responded positively to these suggestions.
Following the meeting, negotiators will continue discussions, with Christodoulides confirming that he is ready to meet again once Tatar is prepared.
On the matter of specific crossing points, Christodoulides clarified that while the proposals include crossings at Pyroi-Athienou and other locations, the full package also involves broader initiatives like the establishment of youth and truth committees.
In response to questions about Tatar’s comments on possible crossing points in Lymbia and Athienou, President Christodoulides rejected any suggestion that Tatar was fully supportive of the proposal for Athienou. He explained that the Turkish Cypriot leader had proposed ideas that the Greek Cypriot side immediately addressed.
“If Tatar had been positive about the Athienou crossing, announcements could have been made today,” he said.
Christodoulides expressed hope that once Tatar is ready, they will meet again to continue the dialogue. As for the next meeting, it remains uncertain whether it will coincide with UN Deputy Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo’s visit to Cyprus, with the timing dependent on the Turkish Cypriot side’s readiness.
The eight-point package reportedly includes proposals for crossings at Pyroi-Athienou, Mia Milia and Kokkina, as well as a passage through Louroutzina near Lymbia. If Tatar shows a positive response to any of the other proposals, such as the youth technical committee, the Greek Cypriot side would be willing to proceed with the relevant discussions.
The ongoing dialogue underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing critical issues facing the Cypriot community, with both sides expressing a willingness to engage further as talks continue.
The original article: belongs to Cyprus Mail .
