Christodoulides Says Coming Days Will Be Crucial for Cyprus Talks

Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides described the coming days as “important” for the Cyprus problem.

The newspapers Fileleftheros and others reported on remarks made by Christodoulides during a parade marking Ohi (No) Day on October 28, commemorating Greece’s rejection of the Italian army’s demand to enter the country.

According to the report, Christodoulides described the coming days as “important” for the Cyprus problem in comments to journalists at the event.

Despite the challenges, problems and difficulties, Christodoulides said they would not abandon their goals of “ending the occupation,” achieving independence and reunifying the country.

“I would like to reiterate that there are many problems, many challenges and difficulties. However, if we consider the situation at the beginning of 2023, it is possible to achieve positive results when there is a specific plan and planning, along with patience and persistence,” he said.

Referring to his meeting with President Tufan Erhürman, Christodoulides said it had taken place in a very positive atmosphere and had been constructive.

Christodoulides said he wanted to assure the Greek Cypriot people that he would do everything in his power to achieve positive developments.

Asked whether there had been any progress regarding the NAVTEX issued in connection with the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) electricity interconnection project, Christodoulides said that everything necessary was being done in the exercise of South Cyprus’s sovereign rights, away from public attention and numerous public statements.

HOLGUIN’S CONTACTS

Meanwhile, Haravgi reported under the headline “Holguin Begins Her Contacts in Cyprus Against a Murky Backdrop” that UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Maria Angela Holguin would arrive in Cyprus today at a time when expectations of substantive progress on the Cyprus problem were limited and the political outlook remained particularly unclear.

The newspaper wrote that the visit was taking place ahead of the trilateral meeting scheduled for November 9, noting that the two sides remained entrenched in differing approaches and demands.

According to the report, the Greek Cypriot side insists that negotiations should resume from where they left off at Crans-Montana, within the agreed framework, while the Turkish Cypriot side has raised the issue of political equality.

The newspaper also recalled that Holguin had referred to a lack of political will in an exclusive interview with the newspaper Alithia in recent days.

Haravgi wrote that Holguin would seek to establish the two sides’ genuine intentions during her contacts. It added that her main objective was to determine whether an agreement could be reached on confidence-building measures, particularly the opening of new crossing points.

According to the report, Holguin would also seek to establish the parties’ positions on possible negotiations, the preconditions for their commencement and the methodology to be followed.

Meanwhile, Politis reported under the headline “The Final Effort of the Guterres Era” that UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Maria Angela Holguin would arrive in Cyprus this evening and that the visit would probably be her last, with the hope that the two leaders would demonstrate political will.

According to the report, Holguin will meet Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides tomorrow and President Tufan Erhürman on Monday.

Throughout next week, Holguin will also hold contacts with negotiators and other stakeholders.