By Andreas Kimitris
After years of deadlock, the UN’s call to Security Council resolutions could finally reboot Cyprus talks, hinting at a federal settlement, Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaou says.
In an interview with Kathimerini's Andreas Kimitris, Menelaou said that insisting on “sovereign equality” was essentially a call for two separate states. The focus has now shifted to political equality, tied directly to UN Security Council resolutions, a move that points back to the agreed federal framework, in other words, toward one state. For Menelaou, that distinction is the crucial difference.
He notes that the Turkish Cypriot leadership’s stance has begun to shift but cautions that significant questions remain, particularly over Ankara’s true intentions.
Q: Are we entering deeper waters after the meeting of the two leaders with Ms. Holguín?
A: There is a different landscape now. The focus of the discussion is on substance, something that was not possible before due to the previous Turkish Cypriot leadership’s insistence on “two states.”
Q: Did Mr. Erhurman clearly state that he wants a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation?
A: So far, there are indications of a shift away from positions on sovereign equality and equal international status, which amounted to a demand for two states, toward the agreed federal basis for a Cyprus settlement. That said, there is still ground to be covered, particularly when it comes to clarifying the intentions of the Turkish side as a whole, including Ankara.
Q: Is that why the reference to political equality, as described in UN Security Council resolutions, is so important in the UN statement after the meeting?
A: Exactly. The reference to the resolutions is a significant step toward returning to the agreed framework. Sovereign equality meant two states. Political equality, as defined in the resolutions, points toward the agreed federal framework, one state. That is the key difference.
Q: Does this reference mean that Mr. Erhurman accepts a bizonal, bicommunal federation as the basis for a solution?
A: As I said, there is a shift in the positions of the Turkish Cypriot leadership. But there is still distance to be covered.
Q: Why then is there no explicit reference to the basis of the solution in the statement, with the emphasis instead placed on political equality?
A: That shows precisely what we are saying, that there is still a need to clarify intentions on the Turkish side. What matters greatly, however, is that the statement refers to the Security Council resolutions, which provide for the agreed basis of a federal solution.
Q: Did we ask for a clearer reference, and was it rejected?
A: Our position is clear and without reservations: the agreed basis for a solution is a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined by UN resolutions. The reasons why it was not phrased exactly that way have been explained.
Q: If there is now common ground in the form of the UN resolutions, what is preventing a return to negotiations?
A: The process currently under way, through Ms. Holguín’s contacts, must be completed. There also needs to be political will from all involved so that the UN Secretary-General can move to the next step, convening an expanded meeting aimed at restarting talks.
Q: When could such a conference take place?
A: The decision was that it should happen before the end of the year. We are already in the second half of December, and time is running out. We are awaiting word from the Secretary-General. It is important not only to set a date but also to ensure the meeting delivers a positive outcome.
Q: How does Mr Erhurman view the Greek Cypriot position of resuming talks from where they left off at Crans-Montana?
A: Our position is that talks should resume from where they stopped, preserving what we call the Crans-Montana acquis, the agreed basis of a solution, the convergences, and the Secretary-General’s six points. The Turkish Cypriot side has publicly stated that safeguarding the convergences is part of the next steps. These convergences are those achieved up to Crans-Montana.
Q: Who decides what exactly was agreed and where talks stopped, the UN?
A: Discussions are led by the parties involved. On internal issues, that is the two sides in Cyprus; on international issues, other actors are also involved. What is clear is where talks stopped and what remains pending. Through renewed discussions, any areas needing clarification can be addressed.
Q: So talks must resume first, and then we clarify what was agreed?
A: Preserving the convergences is critical. If there are issues that need clarification, they will be clarified, but negotiations must begin in order to bridge the remaining gap.
Q: How does resuming from Crans-Montana square with talk of decentralizing powers in a loose federation?
A: These issues will be addressed once negotiations begin. The Crans-Montana acquis includes the agreed distribution of powers, and our position is to reaffirm all convergences as a whole. We do not believe it is helpful to discuss individual negotiation chapters in public.
Q: Is decentralization within a loose federation part of our position?
A: Our position is reaffirmation of all convergences, including federal competencies. What will be discussed will be determined at the negotiating table.
What political equality means
Q: What do the UN resolutions say about political equality?
A: Simply put, political equality means effective participation, not numerical equality, of the two communities in all federal institutions and decision-making. This has been clearly defined through convergences on executive, legislative, and judicial power; the structure of the federal state; decision-making mechanisms; representation; deadlock-resolution mechanisms; and more.
The key point is that political equality is about effective participation, which is inseparable from the effective functioning and viability of the federal state. This is ensured through the convergences achieved up to Crans-Montana.
Q: Are there any unresolved issues on political equality?
A: With reaffirmation of the convergences achieved at Crans-Montana, there is no fundamental outstanding issue on political equality.
Q: Does that mean the rotating presidency is also settled?
The Turkish Cypriot side highlights this issue for reasons understandable from its perspective. There are, however, other critical issues for us as well. These matters must be approached holistically: governance, territory, property, guarantees, troops, and the application of EU law. The focus must be on reaffirming convergences and addressing what remains unresolved.
Mr. Erhurman interprets political equality differently, speaking of decision-making in areas of shared sovereignty.
There is no need to reinterpret sovereignty or political equality. The federal state will have one sovereignty, and convergences on political equality already ensure a comprehensive approach, provided they are reaffirmed.
Timelines, confidence-building, and international involvement
Menelaou stresses that discussions have focused on substance and on strengthening the conditions for a successful process.
“We cannot afford another failure,” he says, noting that past experience showed rigid timelines were not productive. What is needed, he argues, are stronger foundations, not “divorce terms before the marriage.”
While UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ term ends in late 2026, Menelaou says this is only one factor, pointing out that the Crans-Montana process took place early in Guterres’ first term.
On confidence-building measures, he says progress has been made on additional crossing points, but no agreement has yet been reached. A key issue remains the route of the Athienou–Pyroi–Aglantzia crossing.
As for international involvement, the Cyprus issue continues to be handled under the UN’s good offices, with Security Council members playing a key supportive role. The EU, he adds, has an essential role to play, both politically and in ensuring any solution aligns with EU law. The Greek Cypriot side wants EU envoy Johannes Hahn to be present at the next conference.
“Our position is clear,” Menelaou says. “He should be there.”
