Christodoulides ‘has responded positively’ to mooted talks

Deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou said on Monday that President Nikos Christodoulides has already responded positively to plans afoot to hold a three-way meeting on the Cyprus problem.

Antoniou said the president had reacted positively to an effort by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to hold such a meeting.

Speaking to CyBC, he added that what remains is an answer on Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar’s part.

Antoniou emphasised that any initiative should be based on UN resolutions.

He added that UN secretary-general’s personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin’s work is not over and that “we might see her on the island again”.

Regarding the acceptance of the presence of the Turkish foreign minister at the informal council of foreign ministers of the European Union, he said that this action is part of the implementation of the strategic plan of the Greek Cypriot side, namely the interconnection of the Euro-Turkish and Cypriot issues. It is a practical proof that “we are investing in the efforts of the UN secretary-general”, Antoniou said.

Meanwhile, taking a chance to stamp out hope for talks, Tatar reiterated to Turkish news channel NTV that he would not return to talks if the Turkish Cypriot side’s “sovereignty and equality” is not recognised.

He said that the latest actions of the Greek side “constitute a series of attacks that try to lead us to a defeat at the negotiating table, using every form of oppression. This [The Turkish Cypriot people] people will not fall victim to this plan,” he said.

Tatar said that if a process is to begin, it should be based on trust and the creation of an environment in which both sides can trust each other. “We have set our terms, in cooperation with Turkey. Without direct flights, trade and contacts, it is not possible for me to go ahead with trilateral official talks,” he said.

Tatar added the importance of cooperation with Turkey and strengthening relations with other countries, arguing that the breakaway regime is an “independent state that deserves recognition and respect”.