Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
NICOSIA, Cyprus – Leaders from Cyprus’s ethnically divided communities have achieved modest progress in building trust, focusing on the hazards of existing minefields and joint environmental projects. Achieving a breakthrough in restarting stalled peace negotiations between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots remains distant, as both sides acknowledged the ongoing fundamental disagreements concerning the framework for any future settlement on the island.
Cyprus Leaders Discuss Trust-Building Measures
Following a United Nations-brokered meeting, Ersin Tatar, leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, and Nikos Christodoulides, the President of Cyprus, issued a joint statement detailing their agreements. These included plans to restore neglected cemeteries and establish a joint initiative for young people from both communities to engage in discussions on pertinent issues.
Renewed Focus on Peace Process
These measures mirror commitments made by both leaders during a recent meeting in Geneva with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. That prior meeting aimed to revitalize the Cyprus peace process, which has been inactive for nearly eight years. Guterres has indicated his intention to appoint a special envoy to facilitate the resumption of formal peace talks.
Decades of Division in Cyprus
Cyprus has been split since 1974 when Turkey intervened militarily in the north following a coup attempt in favor of union with Greece. The Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence is recognized only by Turkey, which maintains a significant military presence of over 35,000 troops in the northern region of the island.
EU Membership and Ongoing Challenges
Although Cyprus became a member of the European Union in 2004, the benefits of full membership are primarily extended to the Greek Cypriot south, where the internationally recognized government is based.
Unresolved Issues and Future Meetings
Despite progress in some areas, no consensus was reached on two proposed confidence-building initiatives. These proposals included the development of solar energy parks within sections of the 180 km U.N. buffer zone that bisects the island, and the creation of additional crossing points along this dividing line, augmenting the existing nine.
Hope for Future Progress
Tatar expressed optimism, stating that he is “hopeful in time we will be able to achieve” advancements on these matters.
“My friend Nikos, he’s got his own principles, I want our principles. What is important is to exchange and be positive so that we can achieve things together,” Tatar commented.
Christodoulides, however, implied that Tatar’s focus on solar energy installations was a tactic to further his vision of a divided Cyprus. The two leaders have agreed to reconvene for further discussions later in the month.
Divergent Visions for Peace Settlement
The leaders’ statements underscored the substantial divergence in their perspectives regarding a prospective peace settlement.
Tatar and Turkey advocate for a two-state agreement as the only viable solution to this long-standing international dispute. They argue that the “old” model of a federation comprising Greek and Turkish-speaking zones is no longer feasible after decades of unsuccessful attempts.
Greek Cypriot Stance on Reunification
Greek Cypriots maintain that any agreement solidifying the island’s division is unacceptable. They emphasize that such a resolution would contradict long-standing U.N. resolutions that support a federation.
Furthermore, they reject demands from Turkey and Turkish Cypriots for a permanent Turkish military presence and rights to military intervention under any accord. Opposition also remains against granting the Turkish Cypriot minority veto power over decisions at the federal government level.