**Negotiators to Meet Ahead of Christodoulides-Erhurman Talks**
Greek and Turkish Cypriot negotiators are set to convene this week in preparation for a significant meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman, scheduled for August 26. This information was confirmed by government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis during an interview with CyBC on Monday.
Letymbiotis emphasized that President Christodoulides would approach the upcoming dialogue with a “constructive attitude,” aiming to foster progress on various issues, particularly the opening of new crossing points between the two communities. He reiterated the importance of a proposal made by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, which advocates for the simultaneous opening of crossing points at Athienou and Mia Milia.
The meeting, set to take place at 4 PM, is intended to lay the groundwork for a larger, expanded discussion regarding the ongoing Cyprus problem. Following his recent visit to the region, Guterres expressed the necessity of thorough preparation for the next meeting to ensure it leads to a viable solution. He stated that the UN would collaborate with both sides and the guarantor powers to create favorable conditions for the success of the discussions.
The opening of new crossing points remains a contentious issue in the negotiations. Last year, during an expanded meeting in Geneva, four potential crossings were included in a proposed package, with both sides asked to suggest two locations. The Cypriot government proposed to open two crossings initially, specifically pairing the Athienou to Aglandjia road with a crossing at Mia Milia, while deferring the opening of Louroujina to a later date. However, the Turkish Cypriot side has rejected this proposal, insisting that all four crossings should be opened simultaneously.
Letymbiotis also provided an update on the process of documenting meetings between the two sides, stating that this initiative has begun and is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. When questioned about the potential arrival of UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin, he noted that there is currently no information regarding her visit to Cyprus.
Both Christodoulides and Erhurman have previously expressed a desire for more frequent communication as part of their efforts to rejuvenate negotiations. President Christodoulides has indicated his willingness to hold weekly meetings with Erhurman, who has similarly advocated for regular discussions.
Looking ahead, Christodoulides is expected to travel to New York at the end of September to attend the UN General Assembly, where he is anticipated to engage in discussions with Guterres. This upcoming trip underscores the ongoing international interest in the resolution of the Cyprus issue and the role of the UN in facilitating dialogue between the two communities.
As the August 26 meeting approaches, the focus remains on fostering a constructive atmosphere conducive to meaningful negotiations, with hopes that progress can be made on the contentious issue of crossing points and other aspects of the Cyprus problem.