The Cyprus peace process is moving forward at a slow pace 50 days before António Guterres steps down from his diplomatic post and in the wake of a new ultimatum from the Special Envoy’s OfficeSpecial Envoy, urging that yet another opportunity not be lost.
White smoke emerged from the Dian residence after 3.5 hours, with the two leaders agreeing in the presence of Maria Olgin to open two checkpoints and implement confidence-building measures. The bar was raised slightly, though not to the extent that the United Nations and the Greek Cypriot side had anticipated when they arrived at the meeting. On the other hand, however…
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What was agreed upon today paved the way for a trilateral meeting between the two leaders and António Guterres in the coming weeks.
READ ALSO: “An important step has been taken”: The President’s assessment of the meeting with Olgin and Erhurman and his response to those who question the 19 proposals
It was decided to open the Kampos roadblock in Tsakistra – Karavostasiou, which is included in Nikos Christodoulides’ 19-point plan, as well as the opening of the Louroutzina – Lybi, which was a proposal by the Turkish Cypriot leader.
The checkpoint in Kampos was included from the “outside” following a request from the community to the foreign minister as recently as September, and after the President of the Republic had faced repeated vetoes from Turkey regarding the “red lines.” The checkpoint is estimated to reduce the time it takes for Kampos residents to travel to Nicosia by about 30 minutes.
READ ALSO: Erhurman Sees a “Game Changer” in the Cyprus Issue: The Mysterious Proposal and What He Revealed About the Backstory of the Trilateral Meeting
According to Alpha News, the Greek Cypriot side appeared open to the opening of Louroujina, as it believes this will help control illegal trade as well as the spread of foot-and-mouth disease from the occupied areas. The issue of Athienou remains on paper, while it appears that Hakan Fidan has also intervened to block progress.
What else has been “finalized”?
After four years on hold, the Imagine educational program is back in full swing. It brought together thousands of students and teachers from both communities and was halted during Tatar’s tenure.
READ ALSO: These two roadblocks are opening following the meeting between Olgin, Christodoulides, and Erciyuman
The two leaders will proceed with the exchange of archival historical material, while they also agreed to promote environmental projects. They also shook hands on the restoration of Maronite churches and the Monastery of Saint Makarios on Pentadaktylos. They also agreed on a specific mechanism that will be activated quickly in emergency situations and natural disasters.
The discussion also covered the next steps in the Cyprus peace process.
Maria Olgin emphasized to Christodoulides and Erhurman the need for the talks to begin with the six points of the Guterres framework.
READ ALSO: “Yes” to opening two new checkpoints: Trilateral meeting between Guterres, Christodoulides, and Erhurman set for the coming weeks
The atmosphere of anticipation that had built up over the previous days led Peace Council President Ahmet Derya to the gate of the buffer zone, just a few meters from the Dian residence. Visibly moved, he presented a bouquet of flowers to the President of the Republic, entrusting him with a mission.
Watch Evangelos Agapios’s report:
