The United Nations is committed to resolving the Cyprus problem, with its undersecretary-general for peace operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, expressing hope for tangible progress. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency on Sunday, Lacroix highlighted the ongoing dedication from UN leadership under Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
High-Level UN Commitment
Lacroix noted, “We certainly hope for progress. What I can say, however, is that there is a very high level of commitment from the highest echelons of the UN, which has been the case since the beginning of Secretary-General Guterres’ term. The Cyprus issue is a priority for him.” This commitment extends to UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin and special representative on the island, Khassim Diagne, who are actively involved in discussions regarding the future of Cyprus.
Focus on Confidence-Building Measures
The UN’s approach involves promoting confidence-building measures, which Lacroix emphasised as critical to advancing any resolution. “What I can tell you is that there is a very strong commitment and will to do our best to promote progress,” he stated. The success of these initiatives, however, largely hinges on the willingness of both sides to engage in constructive dialogue.
Upcoming Meetings and Diplomatic Engagements
Holguin is scheduled to visit the island next month, where she will meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman and President Nikos Christodoulides. These discussions are anticipated to set the stage for a larger meeting involving both sides of Cyprus and its three guarantor powers—Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom—alongside the UN. This enlarged meeting is tentatively planned for January in New York.
Delay in Meetings
Initially, it was expected that this enlarged meeting would take place this month; however, Erhurman opted to postpone his first meeting with Holguin from early November to December 5. Reports suggest that this delay is strategic, allowing Erhurman to strengthen relations with the Turkish government prior to the discussions on Cyprus.
Erhurman’s Leadership and Position
Erhurman, who recently won an unprecedented landslide victory in the Turkish Cypriot leadership elections, advocates for negotiations centred around a federal solution to the Cyprus problem. This model is reportedly aligned with Christodoulides’ stance. However, Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has been vocal about supporting a two-state solution, complicating the negotiations.
Shifting Dynamics in Turkish Cypriot Politics
While Erdogan has previously expressed scepticism about negotiations, following Erhurman’s election, he acknowledged the Turkish Cypriots’ will as “highly respected by us.” Erdogan’s remarks suggest a potential openness to dialogue, contrasting with his party’s long-standing position. “Our relations with North Cyprus will continue as they have been until now under the AK Party government,” he stated, indicating continuity in the relationship.
Challenges Ahead for Negotiations
The road to resolving the Cyprus problem remains fraught with challenges. The differing visions of a federal solution versus a two-state approach highlight the complexities involved. As discussions proceed, the UN remains hopeful but acknowledges that substantial progress will depend on the cooperation and political will of both Cypriot communities and their respective backers.
The Future of Cyprus
The UN’s commitment to facilitating dialogue reflects a broader desire for stability in the region. As the latest developments unfold, the attention will be on how effectively the involved parties can bridge their differences and work towards a lasting resolution. The upcoming meetings will be crucial in shaping the future of Cyprus and determining whether a new chapter in its history can be written.
