cyprus talks — Trilateral Cyprus talks concluded without substantive result on Wednesday, leaving key issues unresolved. UN envoy María Ángela Holguín expressed optimism, emphasising that the path forward requires the leaders to enhance confidence-building measures.
- When asked why a joint communiqué was not issued, Christodoulides explained that there was no specific reason for its absence, as Holguín had summarised the outcomes during her announcement.
Following the meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Erhürman and Holguín, President Christodoulides addressed the media at the Presidential Palace. He communicated his lack of disappointment, reiterating the necessity for ongoing dialogue.
During the discussions, Christodoulides introduced a five-point proposal aimed at fostering both substance and confidence-building measures. This plan includes reaffirming the basis for a solution centred on political equality, as detailed in UN resolutions and the communiqué from 11 December.
Among the key elements of his proposal is the creation of a document outlining convergences up to the Crans-Montana framework. This document would include internal aspects for both communities as well as external aspects for all five participants, ensuring that agreed points are preserved.
Once this document is established, the Secretary-General would convene an expanded conference to announce the resumption of talks. The conference is also set to address the opening of four crossings: Kokkina, Louroujina, Mia Milia, and Athienou-Aglantzia, as previously suggested by the UN during July’s expanded conference.
Christodoulides expressed readiness to announce additional unilateral measures beneficial for Turkish Cypriots at the proposed meeting. He suggested that negotiators should aim for a meeting within the next two weeks, indicating that leaders could convene without Holguín’s presence if she is unavailable.
When questioned about the four points submitted by Erhürman, Christodoulides clarified that they were not part of the discussions and reiterated his previous public responses. He highlighted the convergences document, showcasing it to reporters, with segments colour-coded for Greek Cypriot positions in blue, Turkish Cypriot positions in red, and agreed points in black. He described the document as ready, reflecting a commitment to progress.
On the matter of the crossings, Christodoulides confirmed that Cyprus is prepared to open Mia Milia immediately. However, he acknowledged existing objections regarding Athienou-Aglantzia yet expressed willingness to accept the UN Secretary-General’s proposal from the July conference.
In his remarks, the president indicated he was also ready to announce developments regarding Ledra Street. Regarding the Pyroi routing, he referenced a specific proposal from the Secretary-General made during their meeting in New York in July 2025.
Addressing the topic of political equality, Christodoulides stated that the issue had been resolved in the 11 December communiqué, asserting that it aligns with UN resolutions. He pointed out that a misunderstanding with the previous Turkish Cypriot leader stemmed from a misinterpretation of political equality as sovereign equality, which he noted does not exist.
When asked why a joint communiqué was not issued, Christodoulides explained that there was no specific reason for its absence, as Holguín had summarised the outcomes during her announcement.