[UPDATE]
Nicosia has reaffirmed its support for a UN proposal to open crossing points at Mia Milia and Athienou simultaneously, saying confidence-building measures cannot replace substantive Cyprus talks, after President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman concluded their first meeting since UN Secretary-General António Guterres' recent visit to Cyprus.
Meeting follows UN request
President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman have concluded their first meeting since UN Secretary-General António Guterres' recent visit to Cyprus, with Nicosia reaffirming its support for a UN proposal to open crossing points at Mia Milia and Athienou simultaneously, while maintaining that confidence-building measures cannot replace substantive negotiations on the Cyprus problem.
Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis told CyBC radio programme Proino Dromologio that the meeting took place as part of the preparatory work requested by the UN secretary-general. He said discussions had focused both on confidence-building measures and on the substance of the Cyprus problem.
Nicosia backs simultaneous openings
Letymbiotis reiterated that confidence-building measures are not an end in themselves, stressing that the main objective remains substantive discussion of the Cyprus problem. He also referred to the UN proposal for the simultaneous opening of crossing points at Mia Milia and Athienou, noting that Christodoulides had expressed his support for the proposal from the outset.
Leaders agree to meet weekly, UN says
A press statement issued by the UN mission in Cyprus said the two leaders reaffirmed their appreciation to UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his recent visit to the island and for his continued support for efforts to settle the Cyprus problem. During the meeting, they reviewed progress on the way forward set out during Guterres' visit and agreed to intensify their engagement, committing to meet once a week and more frequently if circumstances require.
The leaders also agreed to announce, on Thursday, the members of the Steering Committee of the Civil Society Consultative Body, the statement said.
Videos from the meeting:
