The need to find a way forward in order to substantially launch the dialogue process, alongside simultaneous and swift progress on Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs), was discussed at the meeting between the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhürman.
During the 70-minute meeting, the Secretary-General explained why there should be no loss of time, implying that both sides must find a way out of the concerns expressed on either side regarding the dialogue process.
Useful and productive
The Secretary-General of the United Nations listened to the Turkish Cypriot leader, who described the meeting as useful and productive. Erhürman explained his views on the basis of the preconditions he has set for the start of dialogue. Both sides focused on the prospects for resuming talks and on the need to take practical measures to improve daily life.
Based on his statements so far, the Turkish Cypriot leader conveyed to the Secretary-General what he described as the Turkish Cypriot side’s will for a solution, while also presenting a four-point methodology proposal. He stressed that the process should not amount to “talks for the sake of talks” but should aim at a specific outcome in order to avoid further disappointment within the Turkish Cypriot community.
Let the process begin
Particular emphasis was placed on Confidence-Building Measures and the opening of new crossing points. Erhürman expressed the view that such issues should not be referred to international conferences of the “5+1” type, but rather resolved directly in Nicosia by the two leaders.
“If the two leaders cannot even agree on a few crossing points, how will they be able to produce a solution to the Cyprus issue?” he asked, adding that reaching agreements at the local level would send a positive message of determination.
The Turkish Cypriot leader stated that António Guterres remains committed to the Cyprus issue and does not show signs of fatigue or pessimism. He also noted that the Secretary-General recognises the concerns and frustrations of Turkish Cypriots and expressed a desire for more frequent contact in the future.
Despite the positive climate, it was clarified that no specific timelines or the format of an upcoming process were discussed during the meeting.
The impact of the meeting between Tufan Erhürman and the UN Secretary-General is expected to become clearer during the scheduled meeting of the two leaders on the 24th of the month, as previously agreed.
Of particular interest is the assessment of Republican Turkish Party official Fikri Toros, who implied that the meeting between the Turkish Cypriot leader and the UN Secretary-General created a reference point for “constructive and determined will” aimed at breaking the deadlock. Toros stated that Erhürman’s proposal, combined with the promotion of Confidence-Building Measures, could inject new momentum into the process and foster the necessary climate of trust between the two communities.
It should also be noted that the majority of Turkish Cypriot media reports highlight that the Turkish Cypriot leader focused on:
- His four-point methodology for initiating talks
- The rationale behind the need to lift the isolation of his community
- The fact that, after many years, the positions of the majority of Turkish Cypriots were presented before the Secretary-General with a constructive approach aimed at overcoming the impasse, which is regarded as a new ray of hope for the settlement process.