Cyprus leaders discuss new crossings, including Lympia

A meeting between Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar took place Thursday at the residence of UN Special Representative Colin Stewart, located at Nicosia’s airport. The discussions, which concluded just before 12:30 p.m., focused on the opening of new crossing points across the island—a topic both leaders had previously discussed at an informal dinner in New York on October 15, 2024, hosted by the UN Secretary General.

According to a statement from the UN, the new crossing points are vital for the economic and social well-being of the entire island. Both leaders exchanged views on other issues, and it was emphasized that they would meet again soon to continue the dialogue.

Christodoulides Proposes Eight Ideas

Upon his return to the Presidential Palace, President Christodoulides shared that he had proposed a package of eight ideas during the meeting, addressing the opening of roadblocks and other related issues discussed in New York.

However, Tatar responded that he was not in a position to make any decisions at that time, noting that they would meet again once he was ready.

For some time now, the Greek Cypriot side has put forward proposals to open crossing points at Pyroi and Kokkina, which have been discussed at previous meetings between the two sides’ negotiators with Stewart. Meanwhile, the Turkish Cypriot side has continued to push for the establishment of a regular crossing point at Mia Milia.

#HappeningNow: Top @UN official in #Cyprus, Colin Stewart, hosts the Greek Cypriot leader, @Christodulides and the Turkish Cypriot leader, @ErsinrTatar, at a meeting to explore the possibility of opening new crossing points. #UNCyprusTalks  pic.twitter.com/5huECf8FJz

— UN Cyprus (@UN_CYPRUS) January 20, 2025

Christodoulides Expresses Optimism, Calls for Cooperation

Following the meeting, President Christodoulides expressed satisfaction with the discussions, citing the Greek Cypriot side's ongoing efforts to reach an agreement. "I have come with specific suggestions and approaches. I’m ready to make announcements today, but everything depends on the other side. I hope this meeting will be successful,” he said.

When asked about the possibility of a second meeting if no conclusion was reached, the President emphasized his positive approach. “I’m not going with the mindset that we won’t come to an agreement today. We’re prepared with alternative suggestions if necessary. But I’m hopeful for a positive outcome. We requested this meeting, we’ve sought it many times, and I hope it leads to results.”

Christodoulides also downplayed any concerns about the meeting’s outcome affecting the informal five-party summit scheduled for later, stating that "they are not directly linked, but a positive outcome here would definitely be beneficial for the pentagon discussions."

The President further explained that if their proposals were not accepted, they would remain adaptable. "Our proposals take into account the needs of all Cypriots. I hope Mr. Tatar will approach this with a positive mindset. If he does, we will have positive outcomes. If not, we will handle it accordingly."

Media Coverage in Turkish Cypriot Press

In the Turkish Cypriot media, the meeting received varying levels of coverage. The daily Vatan prominently featured the talks, highlighting the leaders' meeting in the buffer zone with a focus on the opening of roadblocks.

Other outlets like Gounesh, affiliated with the CEC, provided brief mentions, while Yeni Bakis and the online Havadishah offered short reports.

Kipris Postasi, an online news site, highlighted the importance of the Mia Milia crossing, emphasizing the Turkish Cypriot position that opening this roadblock would help facilitate trade and reduce congestion at the Ayios Dometios crossing. Similarly, Kipris, the largest circulating Turkish Cypriot newspaper, reported Tatar’s call for a second car crossing at Mia Milia, while the Greek Cypriot side continues to advocate for transit crossings at Kokkina and Pyroi.

With both sides keen to make progress, it remains to be seen when a resolution will be reached, but Thursday’s meeting marks another step toward reopening important points of connection between communities on the island.