Cyprus talks move “in the right direction”, but political will for a breakthrough remains elusive

Leaders of the divided island of Cyprus have agreed to maintain discussions aimed at confidence-building, announced U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres on 17 July. This development comes amid a longstanding dispute that has kept Greece and Turkey – both NATO allies – at odds for decades.

Following a meeting with Cypriot leaders at U.N. headquarters in New York, Guterres stated that the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities will proceed with efforts to open new crossing points and collaborate on solar energy initiatives.

The Cyprus conflict, which has persisted since the Turkish invasion of 1974 following a Greek-backed coup and a subsequent Turkish invasion, has left Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots separated by a UN-patrolled buffer zone. In 2004 the Republic of Cyprus became a member of the EU, with officially the whole territory becoming EU territory, despite the so-called North Cyprus Turkish Republic being de facto under the control of Ankara. UN-led reunification talks collapsed in mid-2017 and have been at a standstill ever since.

The UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), active since 1964, continues to maintain stability on the island. The 2004 Annan Plan, which the Turkish Cypriot community approved but was rejected by 76% of Greek Cypriots in a referendum, exemplifies the divergent visions for Cyprus’s future.

Earlier this year, the two sides agreed under UN-mediated talks to open four additional crossing points, de-mine certain areas, establish a youth affairs committee, and launch environmental and solar energy projects.

Currently, nine crossing points operate along the 180-kilometer ceasefire line dividing the island. Guterres noted there is a “question of itinerary” concerning one of the new checkpoints but emphasised that significant progress has been made.

The President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides described, as quoted by Politis, the outcomes of the recent expanded conference as “moving in the right direction”, highlighting “significant results”.

Speaking immediately after the meeting, he expressed optimism that even greater progress could be achieved “with the necessary political will.”

Christodoulides emphasized the importance of scheduling the next meeting between the two leaders and the UN Secretary-General during the upcoming General Assembly, as well as a subsequent expanded meeting following elections in the Turkish-occupied territories.

Until then, efforts will continue through the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín, focusing on issues such as roadblocks and other proposals discussed during the recent conference. Christodoulides highlighted the acceptance of proposals for an Advisory Committee from Civil Society and a cultural heritage exchange initiative. He added, “We also proposed four or five additional ideas,” but noted that “unfortunately, the Turkish side did not respond.”

UN mediator makes another attempt to revive the Cyprus reunification talks

Regarding roadblocks, the Greek Cypriot side agreed to the Turkish Cypriot proposal to open Mia Milia and Louroudzina, pending a response from Turkey. Discussions about a roadblock from Athienou to Aglantzia saw some progress, but final decisions are stalled because they require approval from the Turkish military.

Christodoulides underlined the European Union’s role, noting that statements from the Presidents of the European Commission and European Council prior to the talks underscore the EU’s potential to facilitate negotiations.

The Turkish position

Turkish Cypriot leadership, supported by Ankara and led by Ersin Tatar, advocates for a two-state solution – seeking recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus – a stance rejected by the Greek Cypriot side and the broader international community, deepening the deadlock. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan often repeats that a solution to the Cyprus issue is possible on the basis of two states.

The Greek Cypriot side, backed by the international community, remains committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federation based on UN resolutions, viewing it as the only viable path to reunification.

On the substance of the Cyprus issue, Christodoulides emphasised the need to focus on resuming negotiations based on the framework of the interrupted Crans-Montana talks. He acknowledged that Turkey’s well-known position makes this difficult.

Looking ahead, he highlighted the significance of planning the next steps, particularly after the elections in the occupied territories.

He emphasised that since efforts began on 1 March, 2023, many doubted progress was possible without Turkish concessions on issues like direct trade and sovereignty.

“We have not only held two meetings but also set next steps, discussed Confidence Building Measures, engaged with Turkey, and secured substantial EU involvement. The message is clear: we will persist with patience and pragmatic realism to achieve our goal of resuming negotiations and resolving the Cyprus issue,” he concluded.

Christodoulides clarified that the discussion with Fidan was focused on the Cyprus issue, Turkey’s EU obligations, and Ankara’s desire for progress in Euro-Turkish relations. When asked whether Turkey might make concessions on Cyprus to advance its relations with the EU, he responded, “All of us, including Turkey, will be judged by our actions.”

Guterres described the discussions as constructive. Four out of six initiatives have been successfully implemented: establishing a technical committee on youth, environmental and climate change initiatives, cemetery restoration, and an agreement on demining, pending final technical details. Discussions on the remaining two – opening four crossing points and solar energy projects in the buffer zone, will continue.

The leaders also agreed on new initiatives, including a consultative body for civil society, exchanges of cultural artifacts, improved air quality monitoring, and addressing microplastic pollution.

Guterres confirmed that he will meet both leaders again during the UN General Assembly’s high-level week in September, with another informal meeting scheduled later this year.

The UN has played a central role in supporting dialogue between Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders for decades. While a comprehensive settlement remains elusive, engagement continues through informal meetings convened by the Secretary-General and UN officials.