UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stated that a peaceful resolution to the long-standing dispute in Cyprus truly remains possible through meaningful negotiations. In a report obtained by Anadolu Agency, Guterres commended the governments of Greece and Turkey for the positive shift in their relations and urged the leaders in Cyprus to re-engage in talks.
While acknowledging that the underlying positions of the two sides on the peace process are still far apart, Guterres described the recent face-to-face meeting between Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar as a positive step in establishing a connection. He urged both leaders to actively seek mutually acceptable modalities for dialogue.
Guterres emphasized the importance of substantive dialogue in bridging the differences of views and preventing the further division between the communities. He encouraged both sides to take initiatives that build trust and promote good ties between them, which could ultimately lead to a path back to settlement talks.
One necessary step forward, according to Guterres, would be an agreement on the appointment of a UN envoy who can explore ways to reach common ground toward resuming talks for a lasting settlement in Cyprus. He also called for the active promotion of people-to-people contact, cooperation, and trade, including improving existing crossing points and opening new ones.
Furthermore, Guterres urged all parties to refrain from taking unilateral actions that could raise tensions in and around the buffer zone. He emphasized that the natural resources in and around Cyprus should benefit both communities and serve as an incentive for pursuing mutually acceptable and durable solutions to disagreements related to these resources.
The dispute between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots dates back several decades, and despite numerous diplomatic efforts by the UN, a comprehensive settlement has not been reached. Ethnic attacks in the 1960s forced Turkish Cypriots to withdraw into enclaves for their safety, and in 1974, a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at annexation led to Turkey’s military intervention to protect Turkish Cypriots. Subsequently, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was established in 1983.
In recent years, there have been intermittent peace processes, including a failed 2017 initiative in Switzerland under the auspices of Turkey, Greece, and the UK as guarantor countries. The Greek Cypriot administration joined the EU in 2004, the same year they thwarted a plan by former UN chief Kofi Annan to resolve the longstanding dispute.
Guterres’ report covers the period from December 13, 2022, to June 12, 2023.
In conclusion, the UN Secretary-General remains optimistic about the possibility of a peaceful resolution to the Cyprus dispute. He encourages the leaders in Cyprus to re-engage in talks and seeks the active involvement of Greece and Turkey in facilitating these discussions. While the differences between the two sides persist, Guterres emphasizes the need for substantive dialogue, trust-building initiatives, and the appointment of a UN envoy to explore common ground. The report underscores the importance of refraining from unilateral actions and promoting sustainable energy cooperation. Ultimately, Guterres believes that with genuine efforts from all parties, a mutually acceptable and durable solution can be achieved.
