Nicosia: Tufan Erhurman, president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), met with Nikos Christodoulides, leader of Southern Cyprus, in the UN-controlled buffer zone. The meeting, which took place at 10:30 am (0730GMT) at the official residence of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's special representative, lasted around one hour and 30 minutes.
According to Anadolu Agency, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, Guterres's personal envoy on Cyprus, participated in the initial part of the meeting via video conference. Erhurman and Christodoulides held a private discussion during the last 15 minutes of their meeting.
Following the meeting, Erhurman addressed the media at the TRNC Presidency, emphasizing that the discussions were conducted in a constructive environment with both parties sharing their perspectives. However, he noted that there is currently no conducive atmosphere for a resolution on the island. Erhurman revealed that the TRNC had submitted a 10-point proposal aimed at facilitating a solution in Cyprus.
Erhurman stated, "Efforts must be made to achieve a solution," and added that the proposals are designed to ease life for both communities and tackle issues that appear readily resolvable. The proposals include the establishment of new border crossing points, direct communication between Turkish and Greek Cypriot border security, and addressing TRNC-related issues such as flag burning at the border. The proposal package also calls for the resumption of the EU Harmonization Committee.
The TRNC has communicated these proposals to the Greek Cypriot Administration, which has not yet provided a response. Additionally, the TRNC presented a four-point methodology for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue for the first time.
Erhurman mentioned the possibility of a 5+1 meeting, stating that TRNC and Southern Cyprus leaders have authorized their presidential undersecretaries to meet frequently, while the presidents will maintain regular telephone contact during this period.
The UN spokesperson's office confirmed that this meeting was the first of its kind between Erhurman and Christodoulides in the buffer zone, describing the talks as being held "in a cordial atmosphere." The leaders anticipate a visit from Ms. Holguin in early December and have agreed to a joint meeting during her visit. They also expressed a willingness to explore other opportunities for joint meetings.
Reports from the Greek Cypriot media revealed that Christodoulides characterized the meeting as non-negotiative but acknowledged that important issues were discussed. He maintained that the atmosphere was positive and indicated that the parties aim to resume negotiations from where they previously halted.
The Cyprus problem has persisted for decades, with Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots at odds despite numerous UN-led diplomatic efforts. The conflict dates back to ethnic tensions in the 1960s, leading to a series of events including a 1974 Greek Cypriot coup and subsequent Turkish military intervention. The TRNC was established in 1983, and peace efforts have been intermittent, including a failed 2017 initiative in Switzerland.
The Greek Cypriot Administration joined the EU in 2004, the same year it obstructed a UN plan to resolve the ongoing dispute.