Leaders' Meeting in the Greek Cypriot Press: They Talk, but Neither Takes Decisions!

Fileleftheros: “A Half-Step Taken at the First Meeting – EU’s Involvement in the Cyprus Issue Unsettles Him”

Fileleftheros reported that the meeting saw some progress on Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) but highlighted ongoing disagreements on difficult issues. According to the newspaper, President Tatar’s stance on the Cyprus issue remains focused on a two-state solution, with the EU acting as a major obstacle to this approach.

The report claimed that Tatar expressed negative sentiments toward the EU, particularly when discussing a solar energy park in the buffer zone. He reportedly argued that the project should have two separate connections—one for the Electricity Authority of the Republic of Cyprus and another for the Turkish Cypriot Electricity Authority.

However, Christodoulides allegedly rejected this proposal, stating that such a setup would imply a two-state logic, which the EU would not accept. The article suggested that Tatar's reaction to the EU’s position was negative, as the Union remains a barrier to promoting discussions within a two-state framework.

Politis: “They Meet, but Both Avoid Taking Decisions”

Politis took a more critical approach, running the headline: "They Meet, but Both Avoid Taking Decisions – No Progress on Border Crossings – Another Meeting Before Easter – A Conversation with Minimal Results."

The newspaper described the discussions as filled with proposals and measures that neither side could reject, aimed at avoiding a deadlock on more challenging topics. Despite the intense talks, it claimed that no real progress was made on key CBMs, particularly regarding border crossings and energy cooperation.

Christodoulides reportedly emphasized that any CBMs must align with the agreed framework for resolving the Cyprus issue, rejecting demands that fall outside the EU’s guidelines.

Alithia: “They Agreed on What Was Already Agreed”

Alithia offered a more cynical take, stating that the two leaders merely reconfirmed previous agreements rather than making new commitments. It suggested that four minor, low-impact agreements were presented as achievements, despite already being known and agreed upon.

Haravgi: “Tatar and Christodoulides Failed to Agree on Border Crossings and Solar Energy”

Haravgi also focused on the lack of consensus, emphasizing that disagreements over border crossings and solar energy projects dominated the discussions.

Meanwhile, reports indicated that Maria Angela Holguin's official appointment as the UN Secretary-General's personal envoy for Cyprus is expected this week.