Tatar’s proposed model for a Cyprus solution “out of the question”, Christodoulides makes clear during meeting with UN top official

President-elect, Nikos Christodoulides, has made it clear to the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Cyprus, Colin Stewart, that the two-state model for a Cyprus settlement, advocated by Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, is out of the question.

Moreover, CNA has learned that Christodoulides, who had a 50-minute meeting with Stewart on Tuesday, stressed that he is ready for the resumption of negotiations from where they were left in Crans-Montana and that efforts must begin immediately and not wait for the elections in Turkey to take place.

On his part, Stewart welcomed the proposal by the President-elect for the EU to participate in the process for a Cyprus settlement, with a view to give incentives for the process to move on, and noted that the UN support a bizonal, bicommunal federal solution, based on the resolutions of the international organization.

Christodoulides said during the meeting with Stewart – also attended by Greek Cypriot negotiator, Menelaos Menalou – that the Greek Cypriot side insists to a settlement of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, on the basis of the UN resolutions, with political equality and considers this settlement to be attainable. He also referred to the issue of the fenced off city of Famagusta (Varosha) and the need for the implementation of the UN resolutions.

The President-elect noted that he focuses on the resumption of negotiations under the UN, with the EU having an important role and involvement. At the same time he said that during his meeting with Tatar, on Thursday, he wants to send the message to the Turkish Cypriot leader that the status quo cannot be the solution and does not benefit either of the two communities.

He also referred to the messages sent through the statements made by all sides, noting the he himself will refrain from engaging in a negative rhetoric.

The President-elect told Stewart that the EU must have a central role in efforts made within the UN framework because it can offer incentives that will create a win-win situation. Moreover he noted that in the framework of its European course, Turkey has many requests from the EU and that the latter can also benefit from a Cyprus settlement.

Christodoulides underlined that it is important for the UN to send the message that anything other than a bizonal, bicommunal federal solution is not an option.

On his part, Stewart said during the meeting, according to the same sources, that he feels encouraged by what he heard, welcomes the proposal for the EU to participate in the UN-led process with a view to give incentives for the process to move on, and that the UN support a settlement of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, according to the resolutions of the international organization.

Moreover, the UN official noted that he considers that there is room for compromise, but at the same time it is difficult for the Turkish side to return to the negotiating table and that work is needed to restore trust. Moreover he briefed Christodoulides about the issue of Varosha.

Christodoulides and Stewart also discussed about the details of the meeting that will be held on Thursday between Christodoulides and Tatar. The meeting will take place at 11.00 am (local time), at the UNSG’s Special Representative’s residence in the UN-protected area of the old Nicosia airport, with Stewart’s participation.

The President-elect told Stewart that he wants to have a personal relation with Tatar, while Stewart expressed hope that this first meeting will create the conditions for a second one.

A press release issued by Christodoulides’ Political Bureau said that Christodoulides and Stewart discussed prospects for the resumption of the talks, and the details of the meeting that will take place on Thursday between Christodoulides and Tatar.

CNA has learned that Stewart will also have a separate meeting with Tatar, before their joint meeting on Thursday.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Varosha, the fenced off section of the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta, is often described as a ‘ghost town’.

UN Security Council resolution 550 (1984) considers any attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible and calls for the transfer of this area to the administration of the UN. UN Security Council resolution 789 (1992) also urges that with a view to the implementation of resolution 550 (1984), the area at present under the control of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus be extended to include Varosha.

The Turkish Cypriot leadership announced in July 2021 a partial lifting of the military status in Varosha. A few months earlier, on October 8, 2020, the Turkish side opened part of the fenced area of Varosha, following an announcement made in Ankara on October 6. The UN Security Council called for the reversal of this course of action, while the UN Secretary General, in his latest report on his mission of good offices in Cyprus, reiterated his concern over developments in the fenced-off area, noting that the position of the UN on Varosha remains unchanged. The EU also expressed grave concern.

Source: Cyprus News Agency