Cypriot leaders agree “the real aim is the solution of the Cyprus problem with political equality”
The Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhürman, and the Greek Cypriot leader, Nikos Christodoulides, agreed that the real aim is the solution of the Cyprus problem with political equality as described in the UN Security Council Resolutions.
Leaders held a joint meeting under the facilitation of the Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General, Ms. María Angela Holguín Cuéllar in the United Nations Good Offices Mission premises on Thursday.
According to a press statement , the meeting took place in a positive and friendly atmosphere.
The leaders exchanged views on a wide range of issues aimed at creating a climate conducive to settlement as well as efforts towards reaching a solution to the Cyprus issue.
“Confidence building measures are important for creating a conducive environment but are not a substitute to achieving a solution to the Cyprus problem” said in the statement.
The leaders had a stocktaking discussion on previously agreed trust building initiatives, they discussed new ideas, and they agreed to concentrate on achieving agreements as soon as possible, especially on the issue of the opening of new crossing points, the Halloumi/Hellim issue and the construction of pipelines from the Mia Milia/Haspolat Water Treatment Plant. They also agreed to increasing the staff for services required at the crossing points.
Both leaders welcomed the works for the widening of the road at the Agios Dometios/Metehan crossing point and look forward to its completion in the coming months.
Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to participate in the next informal meeting in a broader format to be convened by the UN Secretary-General.
They committed to continue to work in the meantime in Cyprus to produce tangible results for the benefit of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and to ensure the success of the next informal meeting in a broader format.
To this end, they expressed their willingness to meet as often as needed and instructed their representatives to continue their regular meetings.
Prior to their meeting, the leaders visited the anthropological laboratory of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) in Cyprus. On this occasion, they expressed great appreciation for the effective humanitarian work conducted by the CMP, including the Committee members, the anthropological laboratory personnel, all involved staff and to the donors.
They emphasized the critical importance of keeping the CMP’s work free from political interference, urging all to refrain from politicizing this humanitarian process.
They also appealed to anyone with information regarding potential burial sites to share it with the CMP, and assured that the principle of confidentiality will be strictly observed.
