Silence from Erhürman as Holguín remains optimistic ahead of three-way Cyprus talks
The meeting at the Presidential Palace in North Nicosia was held ahead of a scheduled three-way meeting between Erhürman, Christodoulides and Holguín on November 9.
Speaking briefly to journalists afterwards, Holguín described her discussions with Erhürman as positive and said they had covered several issues in preparation for next week's meeting.
The UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy reiterated her optimism about the peace process, telling reporters: “I hope I am not the only optimistic person on the island.”
However, she offered no details about the substance of the discussions or whether progress had been made on any outstanding issues.
The Presidency confirmed that Erhürman would not be making a statement.
Media silence continues
The lack of information follows an understanding between Erhürman and Christodoulides to avoid public discussion of specific negotiating issues while diplomatic contacts continue.
Despite that understanding, Christodoulides has continued to make public comments about the negotiations.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, the Greek Cypriot leader said he was awaiting responses to proposals submitted by his side and repeated his willingness to attend a three-way meeting immediately if Holguín considered it necessary.
He said he was prepared to rearrange his schedule for a meeting on Monday or Tuesday, rather than wait until November 9.
Christodoulides also maintained that an expanded conference on the Cyprus problem before the end of the year remained achievable, provided there was sufficient political will.
Questions ahead of November 9
Holguín met Christodoulides on Friday, October 30, before holding Monday's discussions with Erhürman.
Following her meeting with the Greek Cypriot leader, she indicated that progress on confidence-building measures, negotiating methodology and substantive issues could open the way for a broader meeting involving the two Cypriot sides and the three guarantor powers.
For now, however, no new agreement has been announced.
With Erhürman declining to speak and Holguín revealing little beyond her continued optimism, the public remains largely in the dark about what has been discussed and whether the two sides are any closer to overcoming their differences.
The next significant test will come on November 9, when the three are scheduled to meet together.
