The two negotiators met on Wednesday for an hour and a half, continuing to work on some of the trust-building issues on the table. No date was set for the next leaders’ meeting.
According to Politis sources, the leaders intend to meet in the very near future though it is not certain whether a date will be found within April, which ends next Thursday, as originally announced at their last meeting on April 6.
Wednesday's discussions between the negotiators went well, and they are expected to finalise and present a number of confidence-building measures (CBMs) of a technical nature for approval at the next leaders’ meeting. While they’ve had extensive discussions on the opening of new checkpoints, a breakthrough on this issue does not look likely at present.
'Some progress made'
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman was quoted by Turkish-language media saying some tangible progress has already been made on CBMs, referring to improvements at the Agios Dhometios crossing point, road permits issued at Zodhia crossing, and the signing of an agreement on halloumi. More specific announcements on other issues could follow later in the month, he said.
However, on the effort to resume talks, Erhürman insisted on the importance of his four-point methodology, based on the need to ensure the next peace process will be different.
'Not a plan, but an initiative'
He noted that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ interest in the Cyprus issue remains strong, with the expectation that he will undertake a new initiative from July. That should not be interpreted as a new plan but as a willingness to intervene again directly on the issue, clarified Erhürman.
Meanwhile, opposition AKEL leader Stefanos Stefanou met with former Turkish Cypriot leaders Mehmet Ali Talat and Mustafa Akıncı in north Nicosia on Wednesday to discuss the prolonged stalemate on the island and the need to find a way to resume negotiations.
According to sources, the two former leaders watch developments with concern, as we enter the ninth year without negotiations. The longer the impasse, the harder it is to return to the negotiating table, they believe. Both maintained Turkish Cypriots still want a solution but have an issue of trust regarding Greek Cypriots. At the same time, they observe with increasing concern the rise of the far right in Greek Cypriot politics.
All eyes on Guterres
Regarding the prospect of talks resuming, the hope that a breakthrough in CBMs will change the momentum and open the door to negotiations has gradually faded. All eyes are now on Guterres to break the deadlock. The UNSG seems determined to give it one last go before his term ends in December 2026. He will try to push things forward one last time to leave something behind for his successor, such as the start of talks.
Politis understands that the UN chief is exploring ways to utilise the body of work that exists on the Cyprus issue without labelling it in a manner that would provoke a rejection from Turkey. To help the dynamics moving forward, he also wants to make use of Europe’s ability to stimulate interest in Ankara on issues that matter to it.