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Tag: negotiations

  • Guterres Expresses Disturbance Over Cyprus Problem Stalemate

    Guterres Expresses Disturbance Over Cyprus Problem Stalemate

    cyprus problem — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is “seriously disturbed” by the lack of progress on the Cyprus problem following a recent tripartite meeting. This meeting, which involved his envoy Maria Angela Holguin, President Nikos Christodoulides, and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman, was held last month to discuss ongoing issues between the island’s communities.

    According to reports by Turkish public broadcaster TRT, Guterres has pressed the Cypriot leaders to urgently implement confidence-building measures to improve relations between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots. He reportedly conveyed a strong message to Holguin, stating that without visible steps towards these measures, he would refrain from convening a larger meeting.

    Following the discussions, Holguin indicated that no immediate plans for an enlarged meeting were in place, emphasising the need for tangible results in confidence-building efforts. She remarked, “I am waiting for something more,” hinting at the lack of responsiveness from both leaders regarding her prior demands for progress.

    Despite the setbacks, Holguin maintained a positive outlook, asserting that “all processes are dynamic” and expressing her belief that progress would eventually occur. President Christodoulides echoed this sentiment, stating that he was not disappointed with the outcomes of the meeting and outlining a five-point proposal he had submitted to Holguin and Erhurman.

    Christodoulides expressed willingness to announce additional unilateral measures for the Turkish Cypriots and suggested a meeting between Greek Cypriot chief negotiator Menelaos Menelaou and Erhurman’s undersecretary, Mehmet Dana, within the next two weeks. The main aim of this meeting would be to resume negotiations.

    Erhurman, however, noted that the trust between the two communities was insufficient for a fruitful enlarged meeting at this time. He indicated that the five-point proposal presented by Christodoulides lacked new elements, reiterating previously discussed topics and asserting that Wednesday’s meeting was “useful but not very productive.”

    Holguin had previously stated that little progress had been made in confidence-building measures since her last visit to Cyprus, which has heightened concerns over the ongoing stalemate. No date has been set for her return, but there is an indication from Christodoulides that Erhurman is willing to meet independently if necessary, demonstrating an urgency to move forward.

  • Cyprus negotiations: Tufan Erhurman Outlines Four Key Stipulations for Cyprus Negotiation Resumption

    Cyprus negotiations: Tufan Erhurman Outlines Four Key Stipulations for Cyprus Negotiation Resumption

    cyprus negotiations — cyprus negotiations — Tufan Erhurman has outlined four key stipulations crucial for the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus problem, ahead of United Nations envoy Maria Angela Holguin’s arrival on the island. The Turkish Cypriot leader expressed his views on Sunday, emphasising the need for these stipulations to pave the way for productive discussions.

    Cyprus negotiations: Erhurman’s Four Stipulations

    The four stipulations proposed by Erhurman, often labelled as “preconditions”—a term he finds unappealing—are as follows:

    • The Greek Cypriot side must accept political equality.
    • Negotiations should have a set time limit.
    • All past agreements must be preserved.
    • The UN must guarantee that any embargoes on Turkish Cypriots are lifted if the Greek Cypriot side withdraws from the negotiations.

    Political Equality as a Core Issue

    Erhurman reiterated that the acceptance of political equality is vital for achieving a lasting solution to the Cyprus issue. He stated, “My experience regarding the intractability of the Cyprus problem is very clear to me. Throughout my political life, I have seen, thought, and explained that the biggest obstacle to a solution is the Greek Cypriot leadership’s refusal to accept political equality.”

    He further explained that his insistence on political equality stems from a desire to avoid past disappointments in negotiations. “If negotiations begin, I do not want them to end in disappointment,” he added. “I want negotiations for the sake of a solution, not negotiations for the sake of negotiations.”

    Public Sentiment for a Solution

    Erhurman highlighted the widespread desire among Turkish Cypriots for a genuine resolution to the conflict. “A very large segment of my people wants a solution, and so do I,” he stated. He believes that any agreement lacking political equality would not be viewed as a legitimate solution by his constituents.

    He affirmed, “Nothing has changed in this regard, and nothing will change,” indicating a firm stance on the necessity of political equality in any future negotiations.

    Upcoming Meetings with UN Envoy

    Maria Angela Holguin is scheduled to meet with both Erhurman and Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday, followed by a trilateral meeting on Wednesday. Erhurman expressed hope that Holguin’s visit would “yield concrete results aimed at creating the atmosphere for a solution.”

    In preparation for these meetings, Erhurman has requested that technical-level work be expedited. “In line with our results-oriented approach, our request is that the technical-level work be accelerated before that meeting,” he said.

    Future Outlook for Negotiations

    Looking ahead, an enlarged meeting on the Cyprus problem is expected to be convened in the weeks following Holguin’s visit. This meeting will include representatives from the island’s two sides, the three guarantor powers—Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom—and the UN.

    Following a previous tripartite meeting, a joint statement was released, emphasising that “the real aim is the solution of the Cyprus problem with political equality as described by the United Nations Security Council resolutions.”

    This statement also included discussions on trust-building initiatives and new ideas aimed at fostering cooperation between the two communities.

    A Collaborative Effort

    Both sides have agreed to focus on achieving new agreements promptly, particularly regarding the opening of new crossing points, the halloumi issue, and the construction of pipelines from the Mia Milia water treatment plant. Christodoulides noted that the previous meeting had taken place in a “very good atmosphere,” suggesting a willingness to engage positively moving forward.

    As the negotiations approach, the emphasis remains on the need for political equality, a central tenet that Erhurman is keen to uphold. His firm stance reflects not only his political convictions but also the sentiments of many Turkish Cypriots who yearn for a meaningful resolution to the longstanding dispute.

  • Christodoulides Urges Swift Action on Cyprus Meeting with Mitsotakis

    Christodoulides Urges Swift Action on Cyprus Meeting with Mitsotakis

    cyprus meeting — cyprus meeting — President Nikos Christodoulides emphasised the need for an enlarged meeting regarding the Cyprus problem during a telephone conversation with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Thursday. This discussion followed Christodoulides’ meeting with European Union envoy Johannes Hahn and came just before a tripartite meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman and United Nations envoy Maria Angela Holguin.

    As one of Cyprus’ guarantor powers, Greece plays a crucial role in these discussions, typically represented by Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis. The aim is to foster dialogue among the involved parties, including Turkey and the United Kingdom, to address the longstanding issues surrounding Cyprus.

    During the call, Christodoulides articulated that the purpose of the day’s meetings was to pave the way for the resumption of substantive negotiations, which had been interrupted in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. A government statement reiterated that Nicosia and Athens are in complete alignment, steadily progressing towards the unchanged objective of resolving the Cyprus problem.

    The resolution, according to the statement, should adhere to the resolutions of the UN Security Council, the principles and values of the EU, and the European acquis communautaire. This framework underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.

    Following his meeting with Hahn, Christodoulides highlighted the significant role the European Union can play in the process. He noted that the EU has both political and institutional tools capable of supporting the resumption and progress of negotiations. “The EU’s active involvement is not only a strategic choice for Cyprus but also a recognition that the solution to the Cyprus problem is a European issue that affects the cohesion, stability, and security of the entire union,” he stated.

    Prime Minister Mitsotakis had previously reiterated Greece’s commitment to reunifying the island, stating that the Greek government’s positions are clear. He asserted that it is now up to other parties to demonstrate their willingness to restart talks within a framework defined by UN resolutions and the broader relationship between the EU and Turkey.

    Gerapetritis remarked that the election of pro-reunification candidate Tufan Erhurman as Turkish Cypriot leader in October represents a new chapter filled with hope and expectations for the island’s reunification. The alignment of thoughts and actions among the involved parties could be pivotal in moving forward.

  • Erhurman negotiation: Christodoulides Prepared to Address Erhurman’s Negotiation Points on Cyprus Issue

    Erhurman negotiation: Christodoulides Prepared to Address Erhurman’s Negotiation Points on Cyprus Issue

    erhurman negotiation — erhurman negotiation — President Nikos Christodoulides has answers for all issues surrounding the Cyprus problem, including the four points proposed by Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman to resume negotiations. This statement was made by government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis on Saturday following a meeting between Christodoulides and United Nations envoy Maria Angela Holguin.

    Erhurman negotiation: Upcoming Meeting to Discuss Negotiation Points

    Letymbiotis remarked that discussions regarding Erhurman’s four points and other related matters will take place during a tripartite meeting scheduled for Thursday. This meeting will involve Christodoulides, Holguin, and Erhurman. Letymbiotis emphasised the importance of resuming negotiations from the point where they were interrupted in Crans-Montana, referring to the last significant talks that collapsed in 2017.

    Erhurman’s Four Points and Their Implications

    Erhurman’s four points, often labelled as ‘preconditions’—a term he finds unappealing—include demands for the Greek Cypriot side to acknowledge political equality, impose time limits on negotiations, maintain all previous agreements, and ensure that the UN guarantees the lifting of embargoes on Turkish Cypriots should the Greek Cypriots withdraw from the talks again.

    Constructive Discussions and Future Meetings

    When asked about specific suggestions raised during their discussions, Letymbiotis described the dialogue as “very specific” and focused both on the goal of restarting negotiations and the preparation for a larger meeting. This upcoming enlarged gathering, the third of its kind this year, will bring together the two sides of Cyprus, their three guarantor powers—Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom—and the UN to address the Cyprus problem. It is likely to take place next month.

    Holguin’s Optimism and Upcoming Visits

    Letymbiotis highlighted the positive atmosphere of Saturday’s meeting, labelling it as “very good and constructive.” Following her visit to Cyprus, Holguin is set to travel to Athens and Ankara, where she will also confer with the European Union’s envoy for the Cyprus problem, Johannes Hahn. These discussions aim to organise and establish a date for the next enlarged meeting, which Letymbiotis insists should be convened as soon as possible due to its composition facilitating in-depth discussions.

    National Council Meeting to Inform Political Leaders

    In light of the upcoming tripartite meeting, Christodoulides will convene a National Council meeting on Friday to brief the leaders of Greek Cypriot political parties on the progress made regarding the Cyprus problem. Earlier in the day, Holguin expressed optimism about the next steps towards resolving the Cyprus issue. She noted that preparatory work is underway for the Thursday meeting, which she described as the first of its kind in many years.

    A Productive Engagement and Hope for Progress

    Holguin conveyed her satisfaction with the productive nature of Saturday’s meeting, expressing her happiness to have returned to the island. She also mentioned the inspiration drawn from a retreat with the bicommunal technical committee on youth held in Jordan last November.

    Erhurman’s Concerns on Crossing Points

    During discussions, Erhurman expressed frustration regarding the lack of progress on issues such as long tailbacks at the Ayios Dhometios crossing point in western Nicosia. Following a meeting with Christodoulides last month, he indicated that addressing operational inefficiencies at the crossing could alleviate congestion significantly. Despite this, he noted that the police cabins on the southern side of the crossing remain underutilised.

    Exploration of New Crossing Points

    In addition to the ongoing issues at Ayios Dhometios, Erhurman and Holguin discussed potential new crossing points in various areas, including the eastern Nicosia suburb of Mia Milia, the village of Louroujina, and the town of Athienou. These discussions reflect an ongoing effort to enhance movement and relations between the two communities on the island.

  • Government Pursues Swift Resolution on Cost of Living Allowance Negotiations

    Government Pursues Swift Resolution on Cost of Living Allowance Negotiations

    cost of — As the discussions surrounding the Cost of Living Allowance (CoLA) heat up, Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou is advocating for a swift resolution. His mantra for late October, ‘intensify and expedite’, reflects the urgency of the mediation efforts between unions and employers.

    Sources from the Cyprus News Agency reveal that following recent communications between Panayiotou and the involved parties, a new round of separate talks is on the horizon. Finance Minister Keravnos is also expected to participate once more, adding weight to the negotiations.

    Cost of: Focus on Convergence

    The approach taken by the Labour Ministry aims to identify areas where quick agreements can be reached, thus paving the way for a more permanent CoLA mechanism. This strategy is crucial as it seeks to establish a framework that can adapt to the ongoing economic challenges faced by workers.

    Silence from Unions and Employers

    Both unions and employers are currently refraining from making public statements. This decision underscores the delicate nature of the negotiations, where any premature comment could jeopardise the progress made thus far. Stakeholders are acutely aware that the coming days could prove pivotal in determining the future of CoLA.

    Looking Ahead

    As the negotiations unfold, the pressure is mounting on both sides to come to a consensus. The Labour Minister’s optimism, combined with the strategic focus on convergence, sets the stage for what many hope will be a decisive moment in the discussions. With key government figures actively involved, the possibility of a favourable outcome remains on the table.

  • Unions Disapprove Government’s Cost-of-Living Allowance Proposal

    Unions Disapprove Government’s Cost-of-Living Allowance Proposal

    Unions have firmly rejected the government’s proposal regarding the cost-of-living allowance (CoLA), arguing that it threatens the allowance’s integrity, according to Pasydy secretary-general Stratis Mattheou.

    Cost-of-living allowance: Significant Concessions Made by Unions

    In the ongoing negotiations surrounding CoLA, trade unions have reportedly made significant concessions. However, they remain resolute in their stance against the government’s recent proposals, which they claim would lead to the “degeneration” of the allowance. Mattheou expressed serious concerns about the government’s plan, emphasising that the proposal would only allow for CoLA to be granted when certain conditions are satisfied.

    Concerns Over CoLA’s Future

    Mattheou elaborated on the implications of the proposal, stating that it undermines the core principle of CoLA being an annual measure to counteract salary erosion caused by inflation. He noted, “The proposal leads to the degeneration of CoLA – essentially meaning that it would only be granted when certain conditions are met, whereas it should be given every year to offset salary erosion caused by inflation.”

    Negotiations Under Labour Minister’s Auspices

    The discussions have been ongoing under the auspices of Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou, with the participation of employers’ organisations Oev and Keve. Despite the unions’ willingness to accept a gradual restoration of CoLA to its full amount by 2028, along with an inflation ceiling, the latest government proposal has complicated matters.

    Government’s Linking of CoLA to Economic Metrics

    The government’s recent proposal links the allowance to both growth and inflation rates while also establishing a salary threshold above which the allowance would not be disbursed. This move has been perceived as a setback by union leaders, who feel that the employers’ organisations are trying to erode the benefits associated with CoLA.

    Unions Express Disappointment

    After a joint meeting on Friday, which included Finance Minister Makis Keravnos and Labour Minister Panayiotou, union leaders voiced their disappointment. Peo secretary-general Sotiroula Charalambous described the meeting as a serious setback, stating, “Unfortunately, with what we heard today, we have gone backwards. It is obvious that we are at an impasse.” She stressed the unions’ position that CoLA must be applicable to all workers.

    Future Meetings and Actions

    In light of the current deadlock, unions plan to convene again on Monday afternoon to discuss potential further actions. While they have not ruled out additional measures, the exact nature of these actions remains to be determined.

    Labour Ministry’s Stance

    The labour ministry responded to the situation by stating that “intensive efforts” to reach a workable agreement will continue. They noted that both unions and employers have demonstrated a positive approach throughout the negotiations, suggesting a willingness to find common ground.

    Employers’ Perspective on Negotiations

    Philokypros Rousounidis, secretary-general of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve), highlighted the employers’ commitment to maintaining social dialogue. He acknowledged the dissatisfaction on both sides but expressed a desire to avoid escalating tensions. Rousounidis stated, “We are not very satisfied either, but we do not want to escalate the situation further and will await the next steps.”

    The Path Ahead for CoLA

    The ongoing discussions surrounding the cost-of-living allowance are crucial for many workers, particularly in the context of rising living costs and inflation. Both sides appear to be at a critical juncture, and the outcome of the negotiations will significantly impact the welfare of employees across various sectors. As unions prepare for their upcoming meeting, the focus will remain on securing a fair and sustainable solution for the cost-of-living allowance that safeguards workers’ rights.