The two leaders entered deeper waters yesterday after more than three hours of discussion at the UN Protected Area in Nicosia, agreeing that “the real aim is the solution of the Cyprus problem with political equality as described in the UN Security Council Resolutions”.
Speaking after the meeting, President Nikos Christodoulides described the climate of the meeting as “very good,” highlighting the “very important” reference to political equality. He noted there hasn’t been such a reference after a leaders’ meeting since October 2020.
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman echoed the view after the meeting that discussions took place in a “positive and constructive” atmosphere.
The first meeting in the presence of the UN Personal Envoy María Angela Holguín Cuéllar lasted two hours longer than scheduled, eating into a reception planned for the two delegations after the talks.
The meeting started with Christodoulides and Erhürman sitting alone with Holguín while their negotiators worked together in a separate room from the leaders. The outcome indicates that the lengthy discussions inched forward on both substance, relating to the effort to agree a basis for the resumption of talks, but also on confidence-building measures (CBMs).
Shared goal remains a solution
UN Spokesperson Aleem Siddique issued a statement afterwards saying:
“The two leaders agreed that the real aim is the solution of the Cyprus problem with political equality as described in the UN Security Council Resolutions. Confidence building measures are important for creating a conducive environment but are not a substitute to achieving a solution to the Cyprus problem.”
The UN said the two leaders also reviewed previously agreed trust building initiatives, discussed new ideas, and agreed to focus on achieving convergences as soon as possible, especially on the issue of opening new crossing points, the Halloumi/Hellim issue and the construction of pipelines from the Mia Milia Water Treatment Plant.
They also agreed to increase staff at the crossing points and welcomed the works to widen the Agios Dometios crossing point, looking forward to their completion in the coming months.
According to the UN, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to participate in the next informal ‘5+1’ meeting with the guarantor powers to be convened by the UN Secretary-General. In the meantime, they committed to continue to work in in Cyprus, through regular meetings of their representatives, “to produce tangible results for the benefit of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and to ensure the success of the next informal meeting in a broader format.”
Issues of substance discussed
Speaking on his return to the Presidential Palace, Christodoulides said he was glad to have a “very good meeting” after such a long time, but especially glad that most of the discussion focused on “substantive” issues. Responding to questions on Erhürman’s four proposals on the methodology of future talks, he said these were not discussed extensively this time round, as the focus was on substance and CBMs.
The president said he raised the importance of EU participation in the talks with . On the prospect of a new 5+1, he said both leaders were looking forward to it, but discussions on a date can only start after Holguín meets the Greek Prime Minister and Foreign Minister today in Athens, and then the Turkish Foreign Minister in Ankara.
On CBMs, he said the Republic of Cyprus will hold a discussion with the EU on the issue of halloumi, while the two leaders also discussed the construction of pipelines to transfer water from the Mia Milia treatment plant to use in agriculture in the government-controlled areas.
Efforts started in 2011 – but soon got bogged down – to implement this complex measure that would make a significant contribution to the water-parched island. Last month, the UNDP told Politis that the first phase had finally begun to start laying down the distribution network. However, final completion of the complex project may take up to five years.
Christodoulides said the two leaders also noted that while agreement could not be reached on opening new crossing points, the leaders did agree on strengthening the number of personnel at the checkpoints to ease congestion.
Regarding the president’s own initiatives tabled, Christodoulides said he raised issues relating to: missing persons, the enclaved, the Maronite and Armenian communities, toponyms in the occupied areas, the tax on products crossing the Green Line, and the unimpeded access to churches in the occupied areas.
Path not clear yet for substantive talks or 5+1
In his own comments after the meeting, Erhürman said discussions revolved around three central pillars. First, the framework of the negotiation methodology and the scope of issues that could be addressed in any future talks were revisited. The so-called “gradual/methodical” approach was re-examined to determine whether it could serve as a basis for substantive progress.
The second pillar was CBMs discussed in the prior 5+1 meetings, and the third involved a review of the other proposals tabled by each side.
Erhürman said emphasis was placed on practical matters, such as trading Halloumi across the Green Line, with agreement reached to complete implementation by the end of January. On Ayios Dometios, he said Christodoulides assured that all seven booths will remain fully operational. It was also decided that relevant licensing procedures for cars may be carried out at crossing points such as Deryneia, a development expected to reduce delays. Enhanced cooperation was also agreed in the areas of health, population and education.
Despite the differing approaches, Erhürman stressed that the ultimate goal remains a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue on the basis of political equality, with that term interpreted in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. However, he noted that the first of the four points of his side’s methodology – the full guarantee of political equality, including rotating presidency – had not yet been satisfied. Therefore, he did not consider that the necessary conditions existed for the start of full negotiations or the holding of a substantive 5+1 meeting. Although he acknowledged that some progress had been made, he emphasised that it was not sufficient to create the required framework for a genuine settlement process.
It’s worth noting that at least four of Erhürman’s 10-point package of proposals announced after their first meeting on November 20 were addressed yesterday: a joint visit to the CMP, measures to facilitate trade in halloumi, easing congestion at Ayios Dometios and facilitating crossings at other checkpoints.
two hours later than scheduled.
Confidentiality on missing persons info
Prior to their meeting, the leaders visited the anthropological laboratory of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) in Cyprus, expressing “great appreciation for the effective humanitarian work conducted by the CMP”.
The two leaders “emphasised the critical importance of keeping the CMP's work free from political interference, urging all to refrain from politicising this humanitarian process. They also appealed to anyone with information regarding potential burial sites to share it with the CMP, and assured that the principle of confidentiality will be strictly observed.”