There has been no progress on scheduling a meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, it emerged on Monday.

During a visit to National Guard soldiers, Christodoulides reiterated his readiness to meet with Tatar to discuss the opening of new crossing points. However, there has been no response from the Turkish Cypriot side regarding the dates proposed by the Greek Cypriot side through the UN.

“If there’s an interest in the substance, then Tatar should respond positively and we’ll put everything on the table,” Christodoulides said. “We have red lines too – specific issues that affect people and society. We’re not seeking to gain an advantage through a confidence-building measure.”

Christodoulides added he had the opportunity to present “the real situation” regarding Syria during the European Council with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Related Articles

“I have to say that there was a positive, if you like, assessment of the overthrow of Assad, and rightly so to a certain extent. Of course it was a positive development,” he stressed.

Beyond that, it is important to look at ‘the next day’ that is why the Republic of Cyprus, together with Greece and Austria, submitted a working paper to that effect.

At the European Council, Christodoulides presented a specific road map outlining developments Cyprus would like to see in Syria.

“I am glad because both at the European Council level and the Commission share the approach of the Republic of Cyprus.”

Highlighting the geographic proximity of Cyprus to Syria, Christodoulides said he had also conveyed the views of leaders from Egypt and Jordan to the European Council.

Asked about the international community’s engagement with Turkey on the Syrian issue, Christodoulides stated that current contacts regarding the new situation in Syria were not being conducted through Turkey but at a lower, direct level.

Christodoulides also made statements over the electrical interconnection between Cyprus and Greece and the participation of Cyprus in the share capital. He said Energy Minister George Papanastasiou would have a meeting with his Greek counterpart next week.

Cyprus’ decisions will be taken on the basis of real data, he specified.

The President also welcomed an earlier deal announced with Hermes Airports, extending the management of Larnaca and Paphos airports until 2033.

Christodoulides said it is for the benefit of the Cypriot state and by extension the Cypriot people.