Expanded Talks on Cyprus Issue Progressing

Government sources, speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (KIPA), stated that during the meeting, Guterres confirmed that the plan for the expanded talks was advancing based on discussions from the informal dinner on October 15. The sources also noted that the UN Secretary-General had obtained approval from all involved parties for the plan.

Additionally, it was mentioned that UN Assistant Secretary-General Rosemary Di Carlo is expected to visit Cyprus soon to coordinate and prepare for the upcoming talks.

Meanwhile, Alithia newspaper reported that President Christodoulides also held a brief meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during the Baku Conference. According to government sources, the meeting explored the possibility of direct dialogue with Turkey in light of the informal talks.

The newspaper emphasized that the two leaders had met twice in a short period, which suggests the potential for direct contacts between the sides.

Politis newspaper, under the headline "Conditions Favorable for Expanded Talks," reported that Guterres' insistence on moving forward with the informal five-party meeting is accompanied by efforts to secure agreements on Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs). According to sources, a potential meeting between Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar in Nicosia could serve as a key reference point for these CBM agreements.

The newspaper also noted that discussions have involved the opening of new crossing points, with the Turkish Cypriot side requesting the opening of two crossing points in Nicosia, including one at Haspolat. It was also suggested that a new pedestrian crossing in the Nicosia walls area could be a possibility. On the Greek Cypriot side, demands for the opening of crossing points at Piroi and Kokkina remain.

Fileleftheros newspaper covered UN Assistant Secretary-General Rosemary Di Carlo’s upcoming visit for preparations, and detailed Christodoulides' interactions with Fidan and Guterres. The newspaper reported that Christodoulides conveyed to Fidan the need for communication in light of the multilateral talks and suggested direct contact with Turkey.

Viktoras Papadopoulos Comments on Developments

Viktoras Papadopoulos, the Director of the Press Office of the Presidency, highlighted several positive developments. First, all parties agreed on the need for a five-party meeting; second, Rosemary Di Carlo’s upcoming visit for preparations; and third, President Christodoulides’ meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, marking their third exchange within a short period. Papadopoulos emphasized that the Greek Cypriot side is ready to continue from where discussions left off, with the aim of progressing both on the Cyprus issue and in EU-Turkey relations.

Papadopoulos also pointed out that Turkey is showing interest in advancing EU-Turkey relations, with growing calls from EU member states for progress on the Cyprus issue in order to facilitate these relations. He noted that while they are cautiously optimistic, they remain realistic and committed to the government's efforts, recognizing the importance of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ personal involvement in the process.