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According to Kathimerini's Yiannis Ioannou, significant developments emerged during the recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his support for a two-state solution in Cyprus, while Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides called for immediate negotiations to resolve the longstanding conflict.
Erdogan, speaking at the UNGA, emphasized Turkey's recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the necessity for the international community to acknowledge the sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots. He suggested the possibility of a trilateral meeting with Cypriot leaders but highlighted the need to consider "new realities" in the region. His remarks came after a meeting with the Greek delegation, which included the Greek Prime Minister, where the Cyprus issue was discussed.
The Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, expressed gratitude for Turkey's ongoing support, reinforcing Erdogan's call for recognition of the TRNC and sovereign equality for Turkish Cypriots. A scheduled meeting between Tatar and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on September 28 could pave the way for future discussions.
In contrast, President Christodoulides responded directly to Erdogan's assertions during his UN speech, stating, "History will judge us, Mr. Erdogan." He expressed his readiness to negotiate immediately and laid out his vision for a unified Cyprus as a prosperous European state. Christodoulides urged Erdogan to engage in talks, respect international law, and shift the narrative surrounding the relationship between Cyprus and Turkey, suggesting that proximity could lead to peace rather than division.
As the diplomatic landscape evolves, three key dynamics are emerging:
1. Turkey’s Stance: While maintaining its position since 2017 on closing the Cyprus talks based on the Agreed Framework, Turkey has not ruled out the possibility of a trilateral meeting.
2. Issue Disconnection: Ankara appears to be separating the Cyprus issue from broader Greek-Turkish relations, maintaining its two-state rhetoric on Cyprus while seeking to stabilize relations with Greece.
3. Euro-Turkish Relations: Despite Nicosia's efforts to link the Cyprus dispute with Euro-Turkish relations, these connections seem to lack significant influence in breaking the ongoing deadlock in negotiations.
The dialogue at the UNGA highlights the complexities of the Cyprus issue, as both leaders navigate national interests while seeking international support for their respective positions.
