Hakan Fidan arrives at 1:00 p.m. at Tufan Erhurman’s so-called presidential palace. This marks the start of a critical three-day period for the Cyprus issue, during which the next steps in the stalled process are expected to be finalized. The meeting between the two men lasted one hour and 20 minutes.
The fact that no statements were made and that Fidan left without saying a word deepens the veil of mystery surrounding Ankara’s intentions. Erhurman’s office limited itself to a formal press release.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“Mr. Erhurman welcomed Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by Mehmet Dana, a negotiator and ‘Deputy Minister of the Presidency.’”
The so-called “presidency”
READ ALSO: Hakan Fidan at the so-called “presidential” office, warmly welcomed by the Turkish Cypriot leader (VIDEO)
Reports indicate that Hakan Fidan remained steadfast in his support for a two-state solution, with media outlets in Turkey and the pseudo-state confirming, however, that Turkey does indeedto the opening of four checkpoints as well as to the creation of a new dynamic, without this implying a resumption of talks.
“Before the decision to open the checkpoints, the strong support of Hakan Fidan and Turkey’s role in the Cyprus issue—which is extremely important—were deemed essential.”
Journalist
Reports in the Turkish press mention a one-on-one meeting that was scheduled three weeks ago. However, the fact that the visit coincides with these developments does not prevent it from having a decisive impact on the process.
SEE ALSO: “Turkey confirms its utter contempt”: Foreign Ministry condemns Fidan’s illegal visit to the occupied territories
The head of Turkish diplomacy also met with the so-called Prime Minister Ünal Ustel and the so-called Foreign Minister.
All eyes on the trilateral meeting
Fidan’s visit will be assessed in the coming hours depending on developments. The spotlight is on Monday’s trilateral meeting.
“We are at a decisive turning point. We believe there will be positive developments that will lead us to an expanded conference where the resumption of talks will be decided.”
Victor Papadopoulos – Director of the President’s Press Office
Diplomatic sources report that the issue of roadblocks has been resolved and will most likely be reflected in a joint communiqué. The package includes Athienou–Pyroi–Aglantzia over an 11-kilometer stretch, the Tsakistra Plain–Karavostasi, Lybia–Louroutzina, and Mia Milia.
READ ALSO: Alpha at Tsakistra Plain: See the location under discussion for the opening of the new roadblock
The issue about which reservations are being expressed regarding whether it will be finalized is the demining. It concerns an area of approximately 70,000 square meters along the buffer zone, though without actually falling within it. It is not ruled out that other measures may also be finalized during the trilateral talks; according to Alpha’s sources, these relate to environmental and technical committees.
