The latest informal five-party talks on the Cyprus issue, held under the auspices of UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York on July 17, concluded without major breakthroughs but maintained momentum in keeping the Cyprus question on the international diplomatic agenda.
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis described the discussions as “highly productive,” while Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides noted “significant results” despite the need for greater political will to achieve more substantial progress.
Key Achievements in Confidence-Building Measures
The talks focused on evaluating progress on six confidence-building measures (CBMs) agreed upon in Geneva earlier this year. According to Gerapetritis, four of these measures have been successfully implemented:
- Establishment of a technical committee for youth.
- Initiatives addressing environmental concerns and climate change, including impacts on mining areas.
- Restoration of cemeteries.
- An imminent agreement on demining, pending final technical details.
Guterres echoed this sentiment, calling the meeting “constructive” and noting that discussions will continue on two remaining initiatives: opening four crossing points and developing solar energy projects in the buffer zone. Additionally, both sides agreed to establish a civil society advisory body, promote the exchange of cultural artifacts, monitor air quality, and address microplastic pollution.
Guterres: Building Trust Step by Step
The UN Secretary-General emphasised the importance of incremental progress, stating, “We are building trust step by step and creating conditions to benefit the Cypriot people.” He highlighted that the two sides are close to an agreement on the crossing points, with ongoing discussions to resolve a routing issue for one of them. Four new CBMs were also introduced for further consideration, reinforcing the commitment to sustained dialogue.
Christodoulides: Small but Significant Progress
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides described the outcomes as a step in the right direction, though he acknowledged that better results could have been achieved with stronger political will. He emphasised the importance of an upcoming trilateral meeting involving himself, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, and Guterres, scheduled for the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September. Another informal five-party meeting is planned before the end of the year, following the “elections” in the occupied territories.
Christodoulides also referenced his recent meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, where they discussed the Cyprus issue, Turkey’s Cyprus-related obligations to the EU, and broader EU-Turkey relations. When asked whether Turkey might make concessions on Cyprus to advance its EU aspirations, he stressed that actions, not words, would determine progress.
Greece’s Perspective: Maintaining Momentum
Greek diplomatic sources underscored the importance of continued engagement, particularly as the occupied territories approach a transitional period with upcoming “elections.” While no dramatic developments were expected, Athens remains committed to sustaining diplomatic efforts. Sources noted that improved Greece-Turkey relations have created a conducive environment for dialogue, with Turkey maintaining its positions but avoiding counterproductive stances.
A Unified Cyprus: A Global Message
Gerapetritis highlighted the broader significance of the Cyprus issue, stating, “The message of a unified Cyprus is essential in a world experiencing civil strife, wars, and intolerance.” The talks, conducted within the framework of UN Security Council resolutions, aim to foster conditions for meaningful negotiations toward a unified Cyprus.
As the international community awaits the next steps, including the September trilateral and the post-election five-party meeting, the focus remains on building trust and advancing practical measures to benefit all Cypriots
Source: pagenews.gr