The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín, is expected on the island on 29 October. A trilateral meeting with the two leaders is scheduled for 9 November. The dates were announced by the United Nations after President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman met today in the UN Protected Area in Nicosia. The UN described the meeting as constructive.
Talks on CBMs, methodology and substance
According to a UN statement issued after the meeting, the two leaders continued their discussion on confidence-building measures, methodology and substance. The meeting was held under UN auspices.
Envoy’s visit and trilateral meeting
The two leaders welcomed the upcoming arrival of Ms Holguín. They also said they look forward to the bilateral meetings each will hold with the Personal Envoy, as well as the trilateral meeting on 9 November, the statement said.
Environment and cultural artefacts
The leaders agreed to proceed with initiatives related to the environment and the exchange of cultural artefacts, the UN said.
Meetings with technical committees
Before the Personal Envoy arrives, the two leaders intend to meet:
- the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage
- the Technical Committee on Youth
- the Steering Committee of the Civil Society Consultative Body
Next meeting
The two leaders also agreed to meet again next week to continue their discussions.
Hopes for a crossing point
Ahead of the meeting, President Christodoulides had said he hoped for positive news. Asked on Monday whether an announcement on the opening of a new crossing point would be made, he replied: “I certainly hope so.” The UN statement makes no reference to crossing points.
This is a developing story.
