Christodoulides: Joint Meeting With Holguín Is a Positive Step

Speaking at the Presidential Palace after the talks, President Christodoulides said that agreeing to the joint meeting was a positive development.

Erhürman will meet Holguín on 5 December, Christodoulides on 6 December, and a joint meeting will follow. The two sides’ negotiators will also begin preparatory meetings for this main encounter.

Christodoulides highlighted that Holguín will visit Greece and Turkey after her engagements in Cyprus, which he also viewed as positive.

The President said the first meeting was not social and did not involve negotiation. He noted both leaders raised certain issues, adding that they are now working to restart Cyprus talks based on the agreed framework.

“We are entering a process aiming for the main objective: the resumption of talks from where they left off at Crans-Montana,” the President stated.

Christodoulides mentioned they discussed confidence-building measures (CBMs), which he considers important, and that he submitted proposals to help restart the talks, though he avoided public disclosure.

Asked about the possibility of an expanded meeting before the end of the year, Christodoulides said the Greek Cypriot side is ready. He added that Holguín will explore the issue to see if it is feasible, concluding that “there is a prospect”.

When asked if the Turkish Cypriot leader remains committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federation solution, President Christodoulides said, “I will not speak for Mr. Erhürman”.

He repeated that the key is entering a process aimed at continuing talks from where they concluded in Crans-Montana.

Holguín, currently in Lima, Peru, participated in the meeting via teleconference.

Christodoulides was accompanied by negotiator Menelaos Menelaou. Erhürman was joined by “Deputy Minister to the President” Mehmet Dana, who sources say may be appointed as the new Turkish Cypriot negotiator.

The two leaders were welcomed upon arrival by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative, Khassim Diagne, who escorted them into the residence.

Shortly before the meeting, President Christodoulides had said he was heading into the talks with proposals and approaches to create positive momentum and lead to the resumption of negotiations.