President Christodoulides holds meeting with Tufan Erhurman on Cyprus issue
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides met with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman on Monday afternoon at the residence of the UN special representative, Khassim Diagne, in Nicosia. The meeting followed separate discussions both leaders recently held with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. President Christodoulides expressed his political will to explore avenues for restarting peace negotiations, rejecting media characterizations that the encounter was purely formal or ceremonial. He emphasized that progress depends on both the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey's stance. Discussions were expected to address a new formula proposed by Guterres, which reportedly includes the goal of a single sovereignty, single citizenship, and single international personality for Cyprus, alongside defined central government powers. While the Greek Cypriot side views this as a potential basis for resumed talks, reports indicate the atmosphere was tense. Additionally, President Christodoulides commented on the potential activation of Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty, confirming that mechanisms for such assistance are being developed by the European Commission.