The English-language Cyprus Mail newspaper published a sharp editorial criticizing Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides for insisting that his proposal on closed Varosha remains valid, despite its rejection by the Turkish side. The paper asked pointedly: "How can a rejected proposal still be on the table?"
Christodoulides had made the remarks during a meeting at the Presidential Palace with members of the Famagusta Municipal Council on Monday, defending his proposal and dismissing criticism that he was simply recycling old ideas. He argued that the plan builds on a similar proposal put forward in 2005 by former Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos, and claimed that significant progress had been made at the time.
The proposal envisions handing over closed Varosha to United Nations administration, allowing its lawful residents to return under UN supervision, and opening Famagusta Port under European Union authority in return. Christodoulides also stressed the need for bold confidence-building measures to demonstrate genuine commitment to resolving the Cyprus issue.
The newspaper also took aim at Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letimbiotis, who had claimed the Varosha proposal was fully aligned with the UN Secretary-General's priorities. Cyprus Mail countered that the Secretary-General's actual priority is reaching agreement on seven confidence-building measures required before a 5+1 conference can take place — none of which have been agreed upon yet.
The editorial argued that if Christodoulides truly wants talks to resume, he should focus on securing agreement on the UN-proposed measures rather than introducing new, complex proposals. The paper noted that doing so could pave the way for a multilateral conference before the Secretary-General's term ends later this year.
Cyprus Mail concluded its editorial with a pointed question directed at the Greek Cypriot leader: "Is the President not aware that putting forward new proposals every week does nothing but delay agreement on the concrete measures that are key to making progress?"
