Preparatory work is under way by the United Nations, based on the convergences achieved so far on the Cyprus problem, with the aim of using them as the basis on which a decision to resume negotiations will be taken at the next expanded meeting, CNA sources have said.
According to the sources, the work currently taking place involves the UN reconfirming the existing convergences, on the understanding that once this preparatory work is complete, the convergences will serve as the basis for deciding whether to resume negotiations at the next expanded meeting.
The same sources said the UN team includes a constitutional law expert as well as other specialists in international law. The constitutional expert is working on a task assigned by the UN Secretariat but is not attending meetings in Cyprus.
Convergences on "a great many issues"
According to the sources, "there are convergences on a great many issues," and provided these are reconfirmed, discussions could then continue on the remaining issues with the aim of reaching a comprehensive final outcome.
On Turkey's continued insistence on a two-state solution, the sources said Ankara continues to adhere to this position and reiterates it in its public statements.
Regarding the meeting between the two leaders announced on Wednesday for 26 August, the sources said preparatory work would continue in the meantime, allowing the leaders to build on this groundwork and advance discussions further.
Uncertainty over a September meeting
The sources said it remains unclear whether a meeting will take place in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. They noted that the General Assembly period is particularly busy, with numerous high-level meetings taking place, and said it should become clearer in the coming weeks whether the next steps will be scheduled around the assembly's high-level week or at another, more convenient time.
Source: CNA
