President Christodoulides discusses Varosha confidence-building measures with town council
On October 26, 2026, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, met with the Mayor of Famagusta, Simos Ioannou, and members of the municipal council to discuss a proposal for the fenced-off area of Varosha. This proposal is part of a package of 19 measures aimed at building confidence between the two communities. The President clarified that while the initiative includes elements from previous discussions, it is distinct from a 2005 proposal and is designed to move forward the stalled peace process.
The plan proposes the transfer of the fenced-off area of Varosha under United Nations administration in exchange for the opening of the port of Famagusta under European Union control. Although Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman reportedly rejected the proposal during their previous meetings, President Christodoulides emphasized that it remains on the table and requested the municipal council's assistance in refining and enriching it. Additionally, the President has included the opening of new crossing points within his package of ideas.
Ahead of a meeting with Erhurman scheduled for October 27, the Cypriot government continues to push for dialogue. The President is also set to meet with Maria Angela Holguin, the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General, on Friday to further facilitate negotiations and ensure the integrity of the buffer zone.