UN Talks on Cyprus Border Crossings Stall Again
Date Published
The ongoing negotiations to reunify Cyprus remain at a standstill as recent talks yielded no new agreements. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his desire for better outcomes from the discussions held in New York.
The Turkish Cypriot leader voiced his frustration, stating he was "very, very upset" about the failure to establish four new border crossings. Guterres described the meetings as "constructive," but emphasized that much work is still required before any significant progress can be made.
Historical Context
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey's military intervention, which was prompted by a coup aiming to unite the island with Greece. This division led to significant suffering, including mass deaths and displacement of the Greek Cypriot population. Today, only Turkey recognizes the independence declaration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, maintaining a military presence there with over 35,000 troops.
Guterres stated, “I think we are building, step by step, confidence and creating the conditions to do concrete things to the benefit of the Cypriot people.” This statement reflects an ongoing effort to foster trust despite longstanding tensions between both sides.
Key Issues and Demands
The UN's endorsed peace framework envisions a federal Cyprus composed of both Greek and Turkish Cypriot zones. However, the Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has consistently pushed for a two-state solution since his election in 2020, supported by Ankara.
Conversely, Greek Cypriots fear that formalizing partition would allow Turkey to extend its control over the entire island. Their concerns are heightened by Turkey’s insistence on maintaining a permanent military presence and veto rights for Turkish Cypriots over federal decisions.
Despite these differences, there have been incremental advancements in trust-building measures. Guterres reported that four initiatives have been achieved: a technical committee on youth, climate change initiatives, restoration of cemeteries, and an agreement on demining operations. He noted that discussions will continue regarding the opening of four new crossings and solar energy projects in the buffer zone.
In conclusion, while negotiations have not led to immediate agreements on border crossings in Cyprus, ongoing dialogue and trust-building efforts signify a potential pathway forward. The complexity of these discussions underscores the deep-rooted issues surrounding this divided island.