“We are coming to this meeting to discuss the substance of the matter. If we truly want to see progress, that is what we must focus on.And if we truly want to see and assess how progress can be achieved, that is where the proposals we have submitted come into play.”
Konstantinos Letympiotis – Government Spokesperson
The government calls on the Turkish Cypriot side to respond positively to at least one of the 19 proposals submitted by Nikos Christodoulides at the last meeting between the two leaders. However, the atmosphere is more tense than ever.
A number of factors are playing a role, such as the failure of a trilateral meeting in New York, as well as events such as yesterday’s decision to rename Kemal Atatürk Street in Paphos.
“I don’t know if this will be yet another issue that comes up. But I do know that as long as attempts are made to highlight it, it will obviously be raised. I think that goes without saying, or at least it’s to be expected. This is where each of us must consider our own priorities.”
Konstantinos Letympiotis – Government Spokesperson
In any case, amid all this uncertainty, Christodoulides and Erciyurman agreed to meet next Tuesday, the 13th, at 3:30 p.m.
Most likely, this will take place without Maria Olgin, who has given no indication of exactly when she will return to Cyprus.
What is certain is that the Turkish Cypriot leader will present to the President of the Republic the European Commission’s opinion that he has in his possession, and which, at least according to him, vindicates his complaints regarding the cancellation of events, such as the soccer tournament in Barcelona and music festivals
“The letter states that, in accordance with the principles set forth in the 2004 Council conclusions, the main objective is to end the isolation of Turkish Cypriots and encourage their economic development.”
Tufan Erhürman – Turkish Cypriot leader
The Cyprus issue is also mentioned in the joint declaration of the Summit of the 9 Mediterranean States.
MED9
The Cyprus problem is a European one.Turkey’s practical contribution to the swift resumption and successful conduct of negotiations remains of critical importance and is key to progress in EU-Turkey relations.
Among other things, the report also mentions Varosha, noting that provocative unilateral actions should be avoided.
Watch Giorgos Georgiadis’s report: