The third meeting between the two leaders showed no real progress as renewed process has become trapped once again in new preconditions and procedural obstacles, Politis Director has said. Speaking on Politis Radio’s 107.6 "Morning Review", he described an increasingly complex situation that moves the discussion further away from the substance of the Cyprus issue.
He explained that the meeting, which was meant to focus on the four preconditions set by Tufan Erhurman, ended with a list of nine preconditions after new issues were raised by the Greek Cypriot side. According to him, this development also explains the growing frustration of the United Nations Secretary General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguin.
Dionysiou noted that Holguin has recently been unusually direct, assigning responsibility to both sides, something United Nations mediators rarely do. He said she sees problems on both sides, which reflects the overall stagnation of the process.
He reminded listeners that several of Erhurman’s preconditions had already been discussed and were considered largely agreed, such as past convergences and known chapters. However, the reintroduction of new matters, especially issues of functionality, has reopened discussions that were thought to be settled.
Dionysiou was particularly critical of Turkey’s role, arguing that Erhurman cannot enter substantive negotiations because Ankara does not allow it. He said Turkey has not yet decided what it wants and keeps its distance from a bizonal bicommunal federation mainly for tactical reasons.
He added that there is a contradiction when one side declares readiness for a solution while at the same time creating an atmosphere of tension with references to military alliances and armaments, which negatively affects the psychology of the process.
On the issue of crossing points, he said Holguin seems to be trying to secure at least one small, tangible result, as she realises that agreement on major chapters is unlikely. When there is no real intention for progress, a pragmatic diplomat tries to secure something, anything.
Dionysiou concluded that the United Nations envoy appears to be reaching the limits of her patience, as repeated visits to Cyprus have produced no meaningful results. Her disappointment is evident, as if she is saying that she is shouting and no one is listening. He suggested that the process may be entering a new phase of uncertainty.