Two states and a consulate

The Turkish Foreign Minister in a visit to Yialousa on the Karpasia Peninsula stated that Turkey is planning to open a consulate in Famagusta. Cavusoglu speaking on Sunday following an unsuccessful UN attempt to bridge differences that would pave the way for a negotiated settlement said that President Anastasiades, during the conference at Crans Montana in 2017, proposed a two state solution.

The Turkish FM repeated that negotiations cannot continue from the point where they were interrupted at Crans Montana.

''Cavusoglu’s statement explains why negotiations have not started yet'' said Cypriot Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides, explainig that ''Turkey is trying to divide the Greek Cypriot side''.

Government spokesman Prodromos Prodromou tweeted ''consulates in another state are established by consensus and on the basis of international law. What is a ‘consulate’ in a violently occupied and looted area that has no recognition from any other state? A bastion of lawlessness and a manifestation of barbarism, perhaps?''

In October UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will hold separate meetings with President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to decide on the way forward.

Jane Holl Lute concluded her one week mission on the island on Friday with an informal meeting with the two leaders, reportedly taking place in order to send messages of hope for a dialogue that needs to stay alive. Both sides reaffirmed their determination to continue efforts for a viable solution.