Seeking Common Ground in Cyprus Peace Talks
In a recent publication by the Sunday Mail, Turkish Cypriot opposition politicians have voiced their concerns regarding the ongoing peace process in Cyprus. Their insights are a call to action for the Greek Cypriot leadership, emphasizing the importance of a structured approach to negotiations to avoid the potential failure of the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy’s mission.
Despite a shared support for a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality in line with UN resolutions, there is a clear divide on the methodology of the peace talks. The current President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, seems to favor an open-ended process, which contrasts with the position of Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, who insists on sovereign equality and a two-state solution, backed by Ankara.
The absence of common ground is a significant hurdle as noted by Ozdil Nami, a negotiator for two Turkish Cypriot leaders. Nami’s reflection on the failed attempt at Crans Montana highlights that the issue may not lie with the content of negotiations but rather with the process itself. This sentiment is echoed by Fikri Toros of the CTP, who argues for a definitive timeframe to conclude negotiations, challenging the Greek Cypriot opposition to what they consider “suffocating” deadlines.
The appointment of Maria Angela Holguin as the UNSG’s envoy brought this dispute to light once more, with differing interpretations of her mandate between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots. The concept of setting a target date for completion of talks is gaining traction as a practical step forward. This would not only demonstrate a commitment to progress but also establish clear consequences for any party that might reject a potential settlement plan.
It is important to note that while Nami and Toros offer constructive suggestions, they do not represent the official stance of Tatar or Turkey. Nevertheless, their perspectives could pave the way for a successful negotiation process and prevent the envoy’s mission from ending without resolution. The urgency of finding sustainable solutions for Cyprus remains paramount, and setting a target date could be a significant step in demonstrating a genuine intent to achieve peace.
