Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman announced on Wednesday that his discussions with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides did not yield an agreement on new confidence-building measures. The leaders met for an hour in the United Nations-controlled buffer zone, aiming to advance the resolution of the long-standing Cyprus dispute. Although the focus remained on establishing new measures of trust, the two sides could not reach a consensus. They exchanged views on both internal and external factors that, according to Erhürman, are eroding the existing level of trust between the communities.
Erhürman emphasized the importance of fostering a conducive environment for progress, a sentiment echoed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. He indicated that both sides need to implement new confidence-building measures and refrain from actions that could further undermine mutual trust. The Turkish Cypriot leader highlighted that such efforts are essential for creating a favorable atmosphere for future negotiations.
Additionally, Erhürman noted that Maria Angela Holguin, the UN secretary-general’s personal envoy on Cyprus, is unable to visit the island before the UN General Assembly due to health issues. Her absence is seen as a potential impediment to the momentum of the peace talks, which have faced numerous challenges over the years.
The Cyprus peace process has been fraught with setbacks, notably the collapse of reunification talks in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, back in 2017. While the Turkish Cypriot side continues to advocate for a two-state solution based on sovereign equality, previous negotiations have largely centered around a federal model. The differing visions have been a significant hurdle in moving the peace process forward.
The two leaders are set to reconvene in the UN buffer zone on September 17. This upcoming meeting is expected to proceed without the participation of Holguin. Whether any breakthrough can be achieved in the absence of the UN envoy remains to be seen, but the ongoing dialogue underscores a continued commitment to finding a resolution to the Cyprus issue.