Nikos Christodoulides and Tufan Erhurman are keeping the engines running on the Cyprus issue, but the process continues to move at a very slow pace. The unexpectedly long duration of the nearly three-hour discussion, as well as the time the two spent completely alone talking in the lounge of the United Nations offices, were not enough to secure even a single substantive development in the process, but they did lay the groundwork for regular contacts. The outcome of the one-on-one meeting was reflected in the four paragraphs of the communiqué, which ultimately did not take the form of a joint statement by the leaders.
The two leaders welcomed the UN Secretary-General’s efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue and agreed to meet weekly, at least until the UN General Assembly in the last week of September. They will meet 3–4 times.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Maria Angela Olguín will also attend one of these one-on-one meetings; she is expected in Cyprus at the end of next week. Nikos Christodoulides and Tufan Erhurman rescheduled their meeting for September 2 at 3:00 p.m. The meeting was finalized this morning following communication between the two negotiators.
“This means that the dialogue is gaining momentum and a steady pace.”
Konstantinos Letympiotis
Different Interpretations
“Preparations have begun as requested by the UN Secretary-General. I must say we’re on the right track.”
President Christodoulides
The Presidential Office, following the meeting, believes that the path has been paved for a new five-party meeting, although much remains to be done before the UN Secretary-General gives the green light.
Erhurman, on the other hand, expresses his disappointment regarding the Greek Cypriot side’s recent reactions to events that were to take place in the pseudo-state, such as the one in Barcelona, whichannounced today that the camp will not take place. This is not in line with the spirit that should prevail between the two sides, the Turkish Cypriot leader states.
“These developments run counter to the fundamental logic of confidence-building measures. The table is a table for dialogue, and words are spoken while looking one’s interlocutor in the eye.”
Tufan Erhürman
Convergences – Methodology
The two leaders laid out substantive issues, focusing on methodology and convergence on key aspects of the Cyprus problem.
“Overall, it was a good discussion in light of what has been achieved so far.”
President Christodoulides
The four points of the Turkish Cypriot leader’s methodology remained on the agenda, while Nikos Christodoulides proposed grouping the key aspects of the Cyprus issue for the purposes of the discussion. Erhurman insists on clarifying the parameters of the policy of equality, which the two leaders agreed upon some time ago on December 11. He states that without this step, he will not return to the negotiating table.
“Without clarity on this point, progress on the remaining parts of the methodology—including the points of convergence—is not possible.”
Tufan Erhurman
Both sides are now awaiting the United Nations’ documentation of the convergences. Of particular importance is how the contents of the document—which represent the acquis up to 2017—will be interpreted.
Roadblocks on Paper
The gap remains on the issue of roadblocks as well. The discussion briefly veered away from the simultaneous opening of Athienou–Pyroi and Mia Milia, as the route remains a sticking point. Christodoulides and Erciyuman focused on another difficult issue—the opening of Kokkina and Louroutzina—but, once again, no agreement was reached.
As agreed at the meeting, the two sides announced today the members who will comprise the civil society advisory body.
Watch Evangelos Agapios’s report:
