The assurance that the Greek Cypriot side’s proposal regarding the enclosed city of Famagusta has not been withdrawn and that it remains part of the “package” of 19 new ideas that he himself presented to Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, was given by the President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides, during his meeting with the Mayor and members of the Famagusta City Council at the Presidential Palace.
The President described the current moment as particularly critical, in light of tomorrow’s meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader and the arrival of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, María Ángela Olguín, emphasizing that Varosia could serve as “a bold confidence-building measure” that would give new impetus to efforts to launch talks on a solution to the Cyprus problem.
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Developments Regarding the 2005 Proposal
Nikos Christodoulides clarified that the proposal submitted by Nicosia is not the same as the one from 2005, but rather an evolution of it, building on previous negotiations which, as he recalled, had come close to a resolution.
As he noted, the initial reaction to the proposal was to study it; however, it was subsequently rejected during the last meeting between the two leaders.
“It’s not off the table,” he emphasized, adding that his aim is to discuss it with the Famagusta Municipality so that it can be expanded upon or amended, with the goal of increasing the chances of a positive outcome.
According to the President, substantial progress on the issue of the enclosed city would serve as concrete proof of the will to resolve the Cyprus problem.
Expectations Regarding Roadblocks and Olgin
Referring to confidence-building measures, the President reiterated that the Republic of Cyprus has already submitted a proposal for new roadblocks, expressing the hope that tomorrow’s meeting will yield positive developments.
At the same time, he announced that a joint meeting has already been agreed upon with the UN Special Envoy, María Ángela Olguín, leaving open the possibility of further contacts, depending on the results of her initial bilateral meetings.
The Need for a New City Hall
Beyond the Cyprus issue, the meeting also addressed matters concerning the operation of the Famagusta Municipality.
The President noted that the Ministry of the Interior’s budget has already allocated 700,000 euros for the construction of a new City Hall, noting that a new study that has been submitted is currently under review.
At the same time, he referred to the measures being taken to strengthen the municipality’s administrative and clerical staff.
