Newsroom
At an informal dinner last Tuesday in New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres subtly introduced a new approach to the Cyprus problem, one that moves beyond the long-standing frameworks of a bizonal, bicommunal federation (backed by the Greek Cypriot side) and the Turkish Cypriot call for two separate states. Guterres is pushing for the two leaders—Nikos Christodoulides of the Greek Cypriots and Ersin Tatar of the Turkish Cypriots—to bridge the gap between their positions and restore confidence. His proposed solution appears to lie between these two opposing views, edging closer to a confederal model or confederation, similar to the British concept of "constructive ambiguity." This could allow the Greek Cypriots to claim they achieved a "loose federation" while the Turkish Cypriots might view it as a framework for sovereign equality.
However, according to Pavlos Xanthoulis in today's Kathimerini, this shift in approach seems to favor the Turkish side. Guterres appears willing to step away from the UN Security Council resolutions that traditionally support a bizonal, bicommunal federation. This change was reflected in the UN’s recent statements, which omitted references to these resolutions. Such a move might strengthen Ankara’s hand in future discussions.
Looking ahead, Guterres is planning an informal expanded meeting, expected before the end of the year, where new ideas can be explored. Like the previous five-party meeting three years ago, informal settings offer space for unconventional proposals, such as Tatar’s earlier two-state suggestion. Guterres accepted that proposal without outright rejection. This upcoming meeting may include more out-of-the-box discussions, and the participants have yet to be confirmed. Turkey’s interest in keeping the Republic of Cyprus out of formal talks and ensuring no European Union involvement is evident.
Ankara, meanwhile, has demonstrated its influence over the process, as seen in its sidelining of UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, who was replaced after Turkey opposed her diplomatic approach. The Turkish side’s demands for preconditions, including international guarantees for direct flights and trade with Northern Cyprus, are key issues for any new negotiations.
On a smaller scale, discussions about opening new roadblocks between the two sides continue. Christodoulides proposed opening two crossings—one at Mia Milia for the Turkish Cypriots and another for the Greek Cypriots, either in Kokkina or Pyroi—but Tatar deferred the issue to the Turkish military.
While these steps may help maintain dialogue, they won’t solve the Cyprus problem without mutual concessions. The Turkish Cypriot side seems unlikely to engage in serious talks before their 2025 elections, and the UN's lack of support for the traditional framework further complicates the situation.
Christodoulides remains focused on resuming talks from where they left off at the 2017 Crans-Montana meeting, despite Guterres’ suggestion to explore new ways to bridge the divide. This disconnect suggests that while the Greek Cypriot side believes it knows its objectives, the international community, particularly through the UN, is pushing for a different path—one that may favor the Turkish Cypriot position of "sovereign equality" within a potential confederal framework.
To read more of Pavlos Xanthoulis' story and gain full access to in-depth reports (in Greek), subscribe now to Kathimerini's print edition and stay informed with comprehensive coverage on this and more!
