No New Developments on Border Crossings

According to Fileleftheros, the meeting between Onar and Menelau did not result in any changes regarding the border crossings. The newspaper also reported that UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Cyprus and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Colin Stewart, will meet with the two leaders today in light of the joint meeting planned for next week. The Greek Cypriot administration is awaiting Stewart this afternoon to hear if there are any new developments regarding the opening of border crossings.

The main topic of the joint meeting expected to be held next week between the two leaders will be the opening of new crossing points. Stewart will discuss the date of the meeting (February 7 or 8) with the two leaders today.

Haravgi reported that Onar and Menelau met with Stewart yesterday to discuss the opening of border crossings. According to RIK, no results emerged from the meeting, but consultations will continue.

The newspaper also noted that UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo will hold separate meetings with the leaders in Nicosia on February 10. In another report, the newspaper included a statement from UN Secretary-General Guterres' spokesperson, Stephan Dujarric, who did not confirm the reports in the Turkish Cypriot press about DiCarlo's visit to the island on February 10. Dujarric stated that official announcements regarding the contacts of UN officials are made formally and hoped this would happen soon.

Alithia reported that the meeting on the possibility of opening new crossing points is expected to continue next week between President Ersin Tatar and Greek Cypriot Administration President Nikos Christodoulides. The newspaper, based on its information, noted that the date of the new meeting between the leaders is expected to be announced tomorrow. The report also included the meeting between Onar and Menelau with Stewart yesterday.

Politis reported that efforts to find a solution regarding the opening of new border crossings have not been abandoned. A "diplomatic source" told the newspaper that an atmosphere of optimism has been created due to the intention on both sides to overcome difficulties. The same source noted that despite the initial difficulties recorded in the January 20 meetings, it is encouraging that no one has closed the door to seeking an agreement.