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Negotiations over the Cyprus issue are heating up, with both sides digging in ahead of a potential UN-led international conference in early 2025. The focus of these ongoing talks? The opening of new crossing points between the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) and the Occupied Territories, a topic that has become increasingly contentious.
According to Kathimerini's Yiannis Ioannou, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar remains firm in his stance, showing no sign of budging when it comes to proposals for opening crossings at Athienou and Kokkina. These points, particularly Mia Milia (which the Greek Cypriot side is proposing), were again rejected by Tatar after a meeting with the UN's Colin Stewart on Tuesday night. However, he did raise the issue of the Arsus-Yla road, which became a flashpoint in 2023 when clashes erupted between the UN peacekeeping force (UNFICYP) and Turkish forces.
Adding more weight to these discussions, UN Assistant Secretary-General Rosemary Di Carlo is expected to arrive in Nicosia in January. Observers believe her visit will be a key step in organizing an international conference on the Cyprus issue, likely scheduled for February or March 2025. This conference is expected to follow a five-party format — involving both Cypriot communities and the three guarantor powers (Greece, Turkey, and the UK).
The Greek Cypriot side, led by President Nikos Christodoulides, has already proposed three potential meeting dates to the UN for the two leaders to specifically discuss the barricades. They see this as a positive move ahead of the international conference, but Tatar has yet to confirm his participation.
Tatar’s Strategy: Digging In While Keeping Options Open
Tatar’s approach appears strategic. He’s tying any potential meeting with President Christodoulides to his demand for recognition of Turkish Cypriot sovereign equality. He has rejected opening the crossings at Athienou and Kokkina but has suggested that issues like easing traffic at the Agios Dometios crossing be handled at a local level by the mayors of Nicosia — citing the good working relationship between the Greek Cypriot mayor, Constantinos Yiorkadjis, and his Turkish Cypriot counterpart, Mehmet Harmancı.
The Arsus-Pyla road issue has also re-emerged. Analysts view Tatar’s insistence on revisiting this topic as a tactical move — possibly reflecting Ankara's reluctance to move forward without direct involvement and consent from the Turkish military in Cyprus. Both Athienou and Kokkina crossing points require the Turkish army's approval, making any progress on these fronts challenging.
What’s Next?
Despite the entrenched positions, there are hints that Tatar might agree to a meeting before Di Carlo’s January visit. If that happens, it could pave the way for finalizing the international conference dates, potentially taking place in Switzerland or a Balkan country.
The Greek Cypriot side is pushing for careful preparation ahead of this conference, recognizing that failure could lead to a fresh round of finger-pointing. Both sides appear to be maneuvering carefully, knowing that the stakes are high.
Consequently, while hopes for progress are on the table, the path forward is still laden with roadblocks — both literal and diplomatic.
