Newsroom
For people hoping for another route across Cyprus’ dividing line, there is still no opening date to put in the diary. But a proposal remains on the table, with President Nikos Christodoulides awaiting a response after talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman on Tuesday.
The two leaders met privately for about 90 minutes in the UN-protected area at the former Nicosia airport. Christodoulides described it as a “good meeting,” saying much of the discussion focused on the substance of the Cyprus issue and how to move the process forward.
Their next discussions will help prepare for UN personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin’s visit, with her arrival expected Oct. 29.
One crossing proposal rejected, another awaiting an answer
Speaking after returning to the Presidential Palace, Christodoulides said he had offered two alternatives concerning crossings. One had been rejected, while Erhurman requested further clarification on the second.
The president said he provided those explanations and expected a response at their next meeting.
He declined to identify the locations involved, saying he did not want to undermine an ongoing discussion by making the proposals public.
For residents who cross for work, family visits or everyday errands, an additional route could make a practical difference. Tuesday’s meeting, however, produced no announcement of an agreement to open one.
Christodoulides also said opening a crossing at Pyroi–Athienou remained a basic prerequisite for his side, while explaining that the alternatives under discussion were new proposals.
Movement on culture and the environment
There was a more positive response to a proposal to exchange cultural heritage objects between the two communities, according to the president.
The sides will exchange lists so the initiative can move forward. Joint environmental initiatives are also planned through the Technical Committee on the Environment.
The leaders will additionally take part in joint meetings involving the technical committees on youth and cultural heritage, along with the Civil Society Advisory Board.
These measures are intended to build trust and cooperation while the larger political questions remain unresolved.
What happens when Holguin arrives?
Holguin’s visit is expected to include separate meetings with the leaders, followed by a joint meeting.
Christodoulides said the discussions would address both the issues that need resolving and the way negotiations should be organized.
“Many questions were asked, many clarifications were made by both of us,” he said of Tuesday’s talks, adding that the discussion would continue with the envoy.
He said two developments would determine whether a broader meeting under the UN secretary-general could go ahead: progress during Holguin’s visit and the outcome of European Union efforts on the Cyprus issue.
He referred to an important EU meeting taking place Tuesday but declined to identify the participants because it had not been publicly announced.
Several proposals still unanswered
The crossings initiative forms part of a package of 19 proposals submitted by Christodoulides. He said he was still awaiting answers on six or seven, while others had been rejected.
A rejection would not necessarily end the discussion, he added, saying proposals could be explained further and brought back to the table.
Another private meeting between the leaders is expected before Holguin arrives, probably next Tuesday.
For now, the immediate test is whether this round of discussions can turn proposals into agreements, including practical changes that people on both sides of the dividing line can use.
