Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar announced from Brussels that five-party talks on Cyprus will be held in late January with British participation.
However, Nicosia has not received any official confirmation from the United Nations regarding the timing of the multilateral meeting or whether Tatar’s announcement was based on official information or his personal assessment.
Regarding British participation, which the Greek Cypriot side had supported, sources indicate Britain’s involvement will be at the same level as at Crans-Montana, contrary to Tatar’s suggestion of lower-level participation.
Nicosia expects to receive confirmation soon about both the conference date and a meeting between the two leaders regarding new crossing points.
Speaking to journalists in Brussels, Tatar reiterated his commitment to a two-state solution “within the EU” and emphasised the need for “recognition of sovereignty” of the breakaway regime.
He confirmed the UK’s presence but claimed it would be “at a lower political level to satisfy everyone”.
The meeting will include Greece and Cyprus, along with the guarantor powers’ foreign ministers from Greece and Turkey, and likely a British deputy minister.
Regarding crossing points, Tatar told Euronews he has requested technical services to examine which crossing would benefit Turkish Cypriots most.
He expressed interest in opening the Haspolat (Mia Milia) checkpoint in eastern Nicosia, primarily for commercial vehicles. The Greek Cypriot side is proposing opening either Pyroi or Kokkina crossings.
Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides, speaking at an Economist conference, stressed that the status quo in Cyprus is unsustainable.
He highlighted his priority since taking office has been resuming negotiations from where they ended in summer 2017, aiming for the country’s reunification.
“It’s time for a new narrative”, Christodoulides stated, emphasising that “a reunified, independent Cyprus capable of maintaining and strengthening its regional role is crucial for our region, Europe, and the world”.
He noted that Cyprus remains the EU’s last divided and occupied member state.
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