Anastasiades: A tripartite meeting possible in October

By Apostolis Zoupaniotis

President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades believes a tripartite meeting of the two leaders in Cyprus with the UNSG is possible within October, either in New York or a European city.

Speaking to reporters after a very productive meeting, as he said, with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Friday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the President of Cyprus said he presented the situation as it stands and developed the Greek Cypriot side’s positions.

“We are ready for an agreement on the terms of reference that would allow the resumption of the dialogue with the three ingredients of the Joint Declaration”, agreed by the leaders of the island`s two communities, President Anastasiades and the then Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu on 11th February 2014, as well as the convergences agreed in Crans Montana, Switzerland and the SG’s framework as it was presented on the 30th June 2017, said Anastasiades.

The President further said he is ready at any time to meet with the SG and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci at a tripartite meeting, in order to find a way to agree, or at least to repeat the common understanding that prevailed during the 9th August and after Jane Holl Lute’s arrival on the island.

He expressed satisfaction for the UNSG’s readiness to cooperate with the parties.

“It looks like the convening of a tripartite (meeting) is feasible. And perhaps, if there is a conclusion during the tripartite, to convene an informal five party meeting for the sides involved in the external aspects of the Cyprus problem, to agree on the subject, as Mr. (Mevlut) Cavusoglu said, the discussions. Our side was clear on this goal”, Anastasiades remarked.

Answering questions, the President said the SG will announce when the tripartite would take place, which he anticipates it to be within October, either in New York or a European city.