President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides described his meeting with María Ángela Holguín, personal envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General, as particularly positive. He said the discussion centred on the 19 proposals submitted by the Greek Cypriot side and on further ideas that could lead to the resumption of negotiations.
Focus on the 19 proposals
Speaking during a visit to the Archangel Michael home for the elderly in Kaimakli, the President said the meeting covered both the Greek Cypriot proposals and additional ideas for positive developments.
“It was a very good meeting, during which we discussed the 19 points we have submitted and some other ideas on how there can be positive news, positive developments that will lead to the resumption of talks from where they were interrupted in the summer of 2017,” he said.
Call for further meetings
Mr Christodoulides said that, beyond the meeting already scheduled with the Turkish Cypriot leader, additional contacts would be useful while Ms Holguín remains in Cyprus.
He said he had conveyed this view to the UN envoy. He is also awaiting the outcome of her meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman on Monday.
“It would be good for there to be more meetings, beyond the one already arranged with the Turkish Cypriot leader,” he said.
No comment on substance
The President declined to comment on the content of the discussions, including the question of convergences. He said the process was at a critical stage.
“I do not want to say anything on the substance. We are at a critical juncture, critical processes,” he said.
He said, however, that the discussion justified the cautious optimism expressed by the Greek Cypriot side.
“I believe, and I repeat, on the basis of the discussion we had, I can justifiably say that I am cautiously optimistic,” he said. He added that he hoped this optimism would turn into concrete positive developments towards the resumption of the negotiating process.
