The United Nations will on Monday announce the details of the first meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and the new Turkish Cypriot leader, Christodoulides said on Sunday, describing the development as "particularly important."
Christodoulides made the announcement after the memorial service for the fallen and deceased officers of the Cyprus Army and said the meeting that is expected to clarify the prospects for restarting negotiations on the Cyprus problem.
He added the meeting could determine whether talks can resume from where they stopped at Crans-Montana in 2017, within the agreed framework.
Asked to comment on the Turkish Cypriot leader’s remarks in Ankara, as well as those of the Turkish President, Christodoulides said:
“I listened very carefully to what was said. But the Cyprus problem is our most serious national issue, and the effort to end the occupation and achieve reunification cannot be defined by public statements.”
He added that there are many points he could respond to, but he will refrain “as an indication of seriousness and responsibility”.
On Erhürman’s preconditions
Regarding Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman’s reported preconditions for returning to talks, the President reiterated that he will not negotiate publicly:
“I have answers to all issues,” he said. “But as an indication of the seriousness with which we approach this matter, I will not enter into public negotiation. If the Turkish Cypriot leader and Turkey truly want a solution within the agreed framework, then there will be progress. If they wish something else or have other objectives, developments will not be positive.
“Our country is under occupation. We must act responsibly and show this seriousness through our daily conduct - and that is what we are doing. The Cyprus problem will certainly not be solved through public exchanges, by me responding today to Mr Erdoğan or to the Turkish Cypriot leader. Tomorrow’s UN announcement about the first meeting - its date and format - will allow many things to become clearer.”