Christodoulides: Our Varosha Proposal Is Not the Same as in 2005

Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides said the proposal he presented to President Tufan Erhürman regarding Varosha was not the same as the initiative put forward in 2005, adding that it remained on the table despite receiving a negative response at the initial stage.

Christodoulides made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with officials from the Famagusta Greek Municipality, where he discussed his proposal to reopen Varosha for resettlement under the administration of the United Nations (UN) and bring Famagusta Port into operation under the supervision of the European Union (EU).

“OUR PROPOSAL IS NOT AN OLD PROPOSAL”

Christodoulides argued that the proposal he presented to Erhürman had been prepared by drawing on previous discussions but was not a repetition of the 2005 initiative.

“The proposal we submitted regarding Varosha is not an old proposal. It builds on discussions held previously. While it naturally includes some elements contained in earlier proposals, it is not the same as the proposal of 2005,” Christodoulides said.

He added that the new proposal was based on an initiative that had previously come close to producing results, saying it had reached an advanced stage and brought the parties closer to a possible outcome.

“THE INITIAL RESPONSE WAS REJECTION, BUT THE PROPOSAL REMAINS ON THE TABLE”

Christodoulides said he had received a negative response to his proposal following his latest meeting with President Erhürman, but stressed that they had not abandoned the initiative.

“Despite the initial response being rejection following our latest meeting, the proposal remains on the table,” he said.

Christodoulides said he wanted to exchange views with officials from the Famagusta Greek Municipality to help the proposal produce a positive outcome. He added that he was prepared to work on developing, improving and modifying the offer.

Arguing that taking concrete steps was important in demonstrating a commitment to resolving the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides said: “If we genuinely want to demonstrate through concrete action that we are determined to work towards a solution to the Cyprus problem, I believe this could be precisely the element we are looking for.”

EXPECTATIONS REGARDING CROSSING POINTS

Christodoulides also addressed the opening of crossing points during the meeting, revealing that he had submitted a proposal on the issue.

Saying he hoped for a positive outcome, Christodoulides added: “I hope there will be a positive result. Perhaps I will have good news tomorrow.”