President Nikos Christodoulides clarified today that the proposal for three negotiating tables to advance the Cyprus issue was his own initiative, not a suggestion from the UN Secretary-General.
The proposal, as outlined by President Christodoulides to political leaders, would structure talks around three separate categories:
- A “Governance” table with two communities plus the UN (2+1 format)
- A “Guarantees” table including both communities, Greece, Turkey, the UK and the UN (5+1 format)
- A “Security” table with both communities, Greece, Turkey and the UN (4+1 format)
The statement came after some attendees at yesterday’s National Council meeting had attributed the proposal to the UN chief.
Speaking during a tour with President-elect of the European Council Antonio Costa, Christodoulides said: “It was not a proposal from the UN Secretary-General, it was my proposal within the framework of discussions and as an indication of our preparation and readiness to begin negotiations when they resume – which is our goal – that we can proceed within this specific framework I described”.
He added that “the Secretary-General’s proposal concerned this expanded meeting, which we accepted and are already working towards. This is why I sent the letter to the Secretary-General so that when it takes place, it will yield results”.
When asked about anticipated EU developments on the Cyprus issue, Christodoulides suggested waiting until after the presentation of candidate Commissioners to the European Commission and the new President’s assumption of duties on December 1.
Regarding a possible meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader about opening new crossing points, Christodoulides said his letter to the UN Secretary-General addressed this matter.
He emphasised their focus on achieving positive outcomes through various channels, including the UN, EU, and permanent Security Council members.
During the tour, Costa told journalists he was visiting EU member states to hear leaders’ concerns ahead of assuming his new role on December 1.
When questioned, he expressed support for Cyprus and the UN Secretary-General’s efforts to resolve the situation, extending his best wishes to the President and hoping for a positive outcome between the two communities.
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