President Nikos Christodoulides has said that his proposal concerning the fenced-off area of Varosha was rejected by the Turkish Cypriot side during their last meeting, but stressed that the initiative remains alive and could still be revised and pursued.
Speaking during a meeting with the Mayor and Municipal Council of Famagusta, Christodoulides described the timing as particularly important, coming just one day before his next meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman and ahead of the arrival of UN envoy María Ángela Holguín.
"Not the same proposal as 2005"
The president rejected suggestions that his initiative is simply a revival of the 2005 Varosha proposal.
According to Christodoulides, the proposal builds on previous discussions and efforts that had once come close to producing a positive outcome.
"The proposal we submitted for the fenced city is not an old proposal. It builds on previous discussions that took place."
He said the Turkish Cypriot side initially indicated it would examine the proposal, but ultimately rejected it during the leaders' most recent meeting.
"It was rejected during our last meeting, but it is not leaving the table."
Christodoulides added that he wants to discuss possible changes or additions with the Famagusta Municipal Council and invited local representatives to submit their own suggestions.
Hope for progress on crossing points
The president linked the Varosha initiative to broader confidence-building measures, arguing that meaningful practical steps are needed if new momentum is to be created for the Cyprus problem.
Referring to crossing points, he reiterated that the Greek Cypriot side is ready to proceed and has already submitted proposals for opening new crossings.
"I hope to hear good news tomorrow."
However, he stressed that efforts should not stop at crossing points and called for more ambitious confidence-building measures capable of demonstrating a genuine commitment to a future settlement.
Holguín meeting confirmed
Christodoulides also confirmed that a joint meeting has been arranged involving himself, the Turkish Cypriot leader and UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín.
He expressed hope that additional meetings could follow depending on the outcome of her initial round of contacts.
€700,000 for new Famagusta municipal building
Beyond the Cyprus issue, the president said the Ministry of Interior's budget includes €700,000 for the construction of a new Famagusta Municipal Hall.
He added that a new study relating to the project has been submitted and will now be examined, while issues concerning municipal administration and staffing have already been raised with the relevant authorities.
Despite those local matters, Christodoulides emphasised that the primary focus of the meeting was the future of Varosha and the search for new ideas that could help advance the initiative.
