Newsroom
Cyprus’ rival leaders have agreed to continue informal talks in an expanded format involving the three guarantor powers, the U.N. announced after a meeting hosted by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The dinner, held at the U.N. headquarters in New York, marked the first significant interaction between the two sides in nearly eight years.
President Nicos Christodoulides of Cyprus and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar also agreed to meet in Cyprus to explore the possibility of opening new crossing points along the divided island.
Guterres encouraged both leaders to work toward bridging their differences, though Christodoulides expressed skepticism. "We did not hear anything new from Mr. Tatar," Christodoulides said, adding that the Turkish Cypriot leader had rejected some proposals made by the U.N. chief. The president did not provide further details.
Christodoulides said the talks, which will continue in an expanded format with Greece, Turkey, and the U.K., remain informal but could pave the way for a resumption of formal negotiations. He welcomed the U.N.'s ongoing efforts despite global conflicts, stating, "We hope for positive developments toward resuming talks."
Tatar, however, reiterated that he would not agree to formal negotiations unless the Turkish Cypriot side’s sovereign equality and equal international status are recognized. He said his position, which was laid out in Geneva three years ago, remains unchanged.
The leaders plan to meet in Cyprus soon to discuss the possibility of opening new crossing points to ease movement between the two sides, which have been divided since 1974.
