Newsroom
President Nikos Christodoulides met earlier today at the Presidential Palace with Colin Stewart, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Cyprus.
Following the meeting, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis told reporters that President Christodoulides reiterated his readiness for a second meeting with the Turkish Cypriot community leader, following last Monday's meeting focused on opening new crossing points and the President's eight proposals aimed at achieving a positive outcome.
Mr. Letymbiotis stated that they are available for a new meeting with Mr. Stewart whenever possible, even in the coming days. He also confirmed that preparations are underway for a multilateral conference to resume negotiations from where they left off.
Asked whether the UN had offered new ideas to overcome Mr. Tatar's refusal to engage, the Spokesman said the existing framework of President Christodoulides' eight proposals remains on the table. He reminded reporters that both leaders deemed the previous discussion on these proposals positive and constructive, and that these proposals offer room for discussion.
"We believe this framework contains mutually beneficial proposals for both communities," he said, "and that a positive outcome is possible with positive and sincere will from the other side. We will not prejudge any outcome. We await Mr. Stewart's meeting with Mr. Tatar, after which there will be further communication."
Stewart: Efforts continue
Leaving the Presidential Palace, Mr. Stewart said that efforts are ongoing and "in progress," noting that both leaders "remain committed to finding concrete results. We will continue working towards this in the coming days, and I am optimistic for a positive outcome."
Regarding the UN Security Council's vote earlier today to renew UNFICYP's mandate, Mr. Stewart said that based on his meetings in New York, "we are grateful for the strong support from the Security Council, which continues to strongly support UNFICYP's work. This work is crucial for maintaining peace and stability on the island, allowing us to find a path towards a political solution. As always, the Council urges both sides to respect the integrity of the buffer zone and UNFICYP's mandate there."