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In a recent interview with Kathimerini's Andreas Kimitris, Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos addressed the current state of Cyprus peace talks and the broader geopolitical landscape, focusing on the limitations and challenges of negotiations with the Turkish Cypriot leadership. Here are the main takeaways from his remarks:
No "Middle Ground" on Legality: Kombos emphasized that Cyprus will not accept any solution framework outside of the UN resolutions. Responding to suggestions that the UN Secretary-General's (UNSG) recent statement implied a shift from the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) framework, he firmly stated that “there is no middle ground between legality and illegality.” This comment reflects Cyprus's continued stance against any framework that does not align with previously agreed-upon UN resolutions.
Proposal for Parallel Negotiations: In a bid to reinvigorate the stalled peace process, Kombos shared that Cyprus had proposed a unique model involving three parallel negotiation tables to address different aspects of the Cyprus problem simultaneously. The proposal has reportedly received a positive initial reaction from UN Secretary-General António Guterres. This model aims to streamline and speed up the negotiation process if formal talks are resumed.
Challenges with Turkish Cypriot Leader Tatar: Kombos pointed out that Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar rejected several of the Secretary-General’s suggested steps, including appointing a new UN special envoy and holding a direct leaders' meeting on practical issues like roadblocks. Tatar also dismissed proposals on core issues such as Famagusta’s return to its legal inhabitants, underscoring deep-seated tensions and reluctance on the Turkish Cypriot side to proceed within the established UN framework.
Rejection of Incentives for Turkish Cypriots: Kombos criticized some international voices suggesting incentives for the Turkish Cypriot community (such as direct trade, flights, and contacts) to bridge divides. He argued that these measures would implicitly support illegal activities and circumvent the UN's resolutions. Instead, Kombos advocated for resuming negotiations from the last point at Crans-Montana in 2017, to preserve prior agreements.
Role of the European Union and Strategic Dialogue with the U.S.: Cyprus has been pushing for greater involvement from the EU, including the appointment of a European envoy to the Cyprus problem, although EU decisions on this are pending the formation of a new European Commission. Additionally, Kombos highlighted the significance of a strategic dialogue with the U.S., stating that it enhances Cyprus’s regional role. He expressed confidence that U.S.-Cyprus relations would remain stable, regardless of the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential elections.
Frustrations over Property Usurpation: Kombos expressed Cyprus’s clear stance against property usurpation in Turkish-occupied territories, indicating that this is a significant point of contention and one Cyprus will pursue firmly through legal avenues.
Anticipation for Expanded Meeting: Looking forward, Kombos mentioned Cyprus's expectations for an expanded meeting involving multiple parties, potentially including Greece, Turkey, the U.K., and the UN. He affirmed Cyprus’s support for a five-party format, which would include these nations, in contrast to Turkey's preference for a four-party arrangement excluding the U.K.
In summary, Kombos stressed that Cyprus is eager to advance peace talks within the established UN framework but faces substantial challenges due to differing views with Turkish Cypriot leaders and Turkey itself. He outlined Cyprus’s proposals for advancing the talks and underscored the importance of international support, particularly from the EU and the U.S., in achieving a viable solution.
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