Turkish refusal derails UN's Cyprus mediation

The efforts made by the UNSG's personal envoy for Cyprus Maria Angela Holguin are hindered by the Turkish side's continuous refusal for dialogue, reliable sources told CNA on Monday.

They said that Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will convey to Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, at their meeting in Ankara, that there is a political stance on the part of the Republic of Cyprus, which is in the interest of Turkey, such as the interconnection of the Cyprus problem with EU-Turkey issues.

The same sources noted that as regards the Cyprus issue, the Greek Cypriot side has sent the messages that needed to be sent and demonstrated from the outset that it is following them in practice.

They noted that the President Nikos Christodoulides responded positively at all stages, both to the appointment of Holguin, and to all suggestions to break the impasse, but there is "a constant refusal" from the other side.

The Turkish Cypriot side, the same sources said, was also negative to the suggestion that the two sides sit at the same table to discuss any concerns they may have, even at the level of negotiators with the aide of Holguin who is completing her visit in Cyprus today.

They pointed out that in parallel to Holguin's effort, there are also the EU - Turkey issues and their connection with the Cyprus issue, through the Conclusions of the recent European Council.

During the telephone conversation between President Christodoulides and the Greek Prime Minister on Sunday afternoon, which lasted quite a while, the same sources said, the two leaders discussed the fact that the other side has a negative stance.

The Greek Prime Minister will convey to the Turkish President that there is a political stance on the part of the Republic of Cyprus that is in Turkey's interest, such as the interconnection of the Cyprus issue with EU-Turkey issues, the sources noted.

They also said that after meeting with the Turkish President, the Greek Prime Minister is expected to talk with President Christodoulides, either on Monday evening or Tuesday.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres appointed Holguin in January as his personal envoy for Cyprus, to assume a Good Offices role on his behalf and search for common ground on the way forward in the Cyprus issue.