The two leaders concluded their discussion at the UN-protected residence in Nicosia with an understanding to meet again soon, while the President of the Republic confirmed he has formally asked the UN Secretary-General to schedule a meeting in March and announced he will convene the National Council.
Speaking after the one-and-a-half-hour meeting, the President also confirmed that he has sent a written request to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres seeking a meeting within March.
Agreement on next steps and negotiators’ mandate
In statements after the conclusion of the meeting, which took place at the residence of the UN Special Representative in the UN-protected area, President Christodoulides said that the negotiators of the two sides had received guiding instructions and would determine the date of the next meeting between the leaders as soon as possible.
He further announced that he will convene the National Council in order to provide a full briefing to political parties.
Discussion focused on confidence-building measures
The President described the discussion as open and sincere, noting that it focused on reviewing progress regarding Confidence Building Measures.
The meeting took place in the absence of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, María Ángela Holguín, highlighting the effort by the two leaders to maintain direct channels of communication.
Positions on the framework of a settlement
Earlier in the day, President Christodoulides had stated that he expected clear positions from Mr Erhürman regarding the form of the sought solution, adding that significant time had been lost during the leadership of Ersin Tatar.
Prior to the meeting, attention had focused on a statement by the Turkish Cypriot leader referring to alleged “manipulation games” by the Greek Cypriot side in relation to his planned visit to Rizokarpaso.
The conclusion of the meeting and the agreement to meet again indicate the intention of both sides to continue contacts.