EU leaders have called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to take decisive action regarding the Cyprus problem, emphasising the need for renewed momentum in negotiations. This came after a meeting between European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Erdogan on the sidelines of the recent Nato summit in Ankara.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Strategic Partnership Highlighted
Both Costa and von der Leyen took to social media to express their belief that the European Union and Turkey share a strategic partnership, stating that their collaboration is crucial in a world filled with challenges. They underscored Turkey’s role in addressing crises in the Middle East and facilitating a lasting peace in Ukraine.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Focus on the Cyprus Issue
During their discussions, the two EU leaders stressed the necessity of seizing the renewed momentum to advance a settlement of the Cyprus issue through the UN-led process. They pointed out that the United Nations has initiated new efforts aimed at resuming serious negotiations to resolve this long-standing conflict.
Bilateral Discussions with the UK
In addition to the meeting with EU leaders, Erdogan also engaged in bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, where they signed a security and defence partnership document. Erdogan highlighted the importance of cooperation and dialogue between Turkey and the United Kingdom, expressing a commitment to enhancing their bilateral relations.
Mixed Reactions from Greek Leadership
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, present at the summit, exhibited a more cautious stance towards Erdogan. He remarked that alliances should be based on good neighbourly relations, especially given the existing tensions between Greece and Turkey. Mitsotakis mentioned the ongoing threat of war stemming from historical parliamentary resolutions concerning territorial waters in the Aegean Sea.
Future Negotiations and Cooperation
Despite the underlying tensions, both Mitsotakis and Erdogan acknowledged the need for dialogue. Mitsotakis described the summit as “magnificent” and expressed appreciation for Turkish hospitality, while promising to work towards a constructive relationship with Erdogan. The Turkish President echoed this sentiment, indicating a willingness to negotiate on the Aegean dispute.
Cyprus Problem Remains Unaddressed
Though the Cyprus issue was not explicitly mentioned during public statements from Mitsotakis, Starmer, or Erdogan, it remains a critical topic in the context of security discussions. Nato’s role could be significant in shaping future guarantees for a post-solution Cyprus, potentially involving the new republic’s accession to Nato.
Pushback Against Nato Involvement
The suggestion of Nato’s involvement has already faced strong opposition, particularly from Akel leader Stefanos Stefanou. He warned that any solution to the Cyprus problem lacking Akel’s support would likely be rejected by the populace. This echoes historical resistance to previous plans, such as the Annan plan in 2004.
Continued Efforts for Diplomacy
Efforts to resume talks on the Cyprus issue are ongoing. UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin is scheduled to meet with Antonio Costa, followed by discussions with both Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman and President Nikos Christodoulides. An enlarged meeting involving the two sides and the three guarantor powers—Greece, Turkey, and the UK—is expected to take place next month.
Support for UN Initiatives
Prior to this upcoming meeting, EU officials have expressed their support for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ initiatives in Cyprus. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, along with other Commissioners, visited Turkey to solidify this backing. Erhurman has also reiterated the importance of achieving tangible results at the forthcoming discussions.
A Call for Negotiation
UN envoy Holguin has urged Cypriots to seize this historic opportunity to negotiate a lasting solution. Guterres is reportedly assessing the next steps that may encourage both parties to take significant actions towards a final resolution.
