The European Commission has welcomed discussions between President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar regarding the potential opening of new crossing points.

Speaking from Brussels, Commission spokesperson Maciej Berestecki highlighted that crossing points build trust between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

“The opening of crossing points enables both communities to meet and trade, fostering trust and paving the way for the eventual reunification of Cyprus,” said Berestecki.

He added that the European Union remains ready to support all stages of the process with the necessary resources, under the leadership of the United Nations.

President Christodoulides presented a package of eight proposals during his meeting with Tatar on Monday morning. The meeting was hosted by the UN Special Representative in Cyprus, Colin Stewart, at the residence in the UN buffer zone near Nicosia airport.

The package included suggestions related to crossing points and other ideas discussed earlier with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

After the meeting, President Christodoulides explained that while he was ready to move forward with the announcement of the proposals, Tatar was not yet able to make decisions. Christodoulides expressed his readiness to meet again once Tatar is prepared.

“I presented a package with eight points, including proposals on crossing points and other ideas we discussed with the UN secretary-general. He responded positively, but Tatar was not able to make decisions today,” Christodoulides said.

“If there had been a positive response, we could have moved forward with announcing all eight points.”
The eight proposals are interconnected, according Christodoulides, who stressed that they are not intended to be chosen individually but must be considered. These proposals include the establishment of a civil society advisory committee for the Cyprus problem, a truth committee, and a youth technical committee.

However, Christodoulides noted that Tatar had not responded positively to these suggestions.
Following the meeting, negotiators will continue discussions, with Christodoulides confirming that he is ready to meet again once Tatar is prepared.

On the matter of specific crossing points, Christodoulides clarified that while the proposals include crossings at Pyroi-Athienou and other locations, the full package also involves broader initiatives like the establishment of youth and truth committees.

In response to questions about Tatar’s comments on possible crossing points in Lymbia and Athienou, President Christodoulides rejected any suggestion that Tatar was fully supportive of the proposal for Athienou. He explained that the Turkish Cypriot leader had proposed ideas that the Greek Cypriot side immediately addressed.

“If Tatar had been positive about the Athienou crossing, announcements could have been made today,” he said.

Christodoulides expressed hope that once Tatar is ready, they will meet again to continue the dialogue. As for the next meeting, it remains uncertain whether it will coincide with UN Deputy Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo’s visit to Cyprus, with the timing dependent on the Turkish Cypriot side’s readiness.

The eight-point package reportedly includes proposals for crossings at Pyroi-Athienou, Mia Milia and Kokkina, as well as a passage through Louroutzina near Lymbia. If Tatar shows a positive response to any of the other proposals, such as the youth technical committee, the Greek Cypriot side would be willing to proceed with the relevant discussions.

The ongoing dialogue underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing critical issues facing the Cypriot community, with both sides expressing a willingness to engage further as talks continue.
Tatar proposed the opening of a new crossing point at Louroujina, near Pyroi on the Greek Cypriot side, following his discussions with Christodoulides.

“I suggested this as a positive and constructive approach and asked them to assess it,” Tatar said, describing the Louroujina crossing as a way to meet both sides’ expectations.

The Turkish Cypriot leader focused on his proposal for opening a crossing point at Mia Milia. He said this would be located near industrial zones and could therefore boost economic activity on both sides.
“But what will they get in return? It’s clear what”, Tatar went on.

“We can never agree to transit points that might pose security problems to the territory of the TRNC [‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’]. For 13 years they [the Greek Cypriots] have been requesting such transits.”

This is an issue that came up in the past, Tatar said, “but our leaders never accepted it. Because that would not be a crossing point. But a crossing point, is what we are discussing. It’s clear what a crossing point is – when you cross from southern Cyprus into northern Cyprus via the territory of the TRNC. But to cross from southern Cyprus into southern Cyprus, for any number of reasons, is not acceptable by us. Which is why we counter-proposed a gate/crossing point at Louroujina.”

Tatar also expressed concerns about traffic congestion at the Ayios Dhometios checkpoint, which accounts for 65 per cent of crossings.

“The Turkish Cypriot side has increased the number of lanes at the checkpoint to ensure smooth traffic, but the Greek Cypriot side has not,” he said.

The Greek Cypriot side said on Monday improvement works on the Ayios Dhometios crossing point were imminent.

Highlighting the significance of improving infrastructure, Tatar added, “With eight million crossings in 2024, a significant number, we must take steps to reduce the difficulties people face.”

Tatar also suggested the opening of additional crossing points, including one near Mia Milia, to promote trade and tourism.

The two leaders agreed to continue their meetings in the lead-up to UN Assistant Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo’s visit on February 10, with Tatar concluding, “We will continue with constructive understanding to address these challenges.”

Discussions on the crossing points and Christodoulides’ proposals will continue on a negotiators’ level, between Menelaos Menelaou and Güneş Onar, at their next regular meeting, according to CNA sources.

The same sources said the aim was for the two leaders to meet again soon.