The Greek Cypriot side could agree to open the Mia Milia checkpoint, offering a gift to the Turkish Cypriot side. A gift that would create certain obligations for the Turkish Cypriot side and increase pressure to restart negotiations.
The most recent meeting between the two leaders, attended by the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin, produced no results in terms of confidence-building measures. In effect, Olguin left the meeting empty-handed and disappointed by the Cypriot stalemate. Both the UN official and citizens in the two communities are in need of a positive signal. Even the announcement of a single confidence-building measure would demonstrate some form of progress and create prospects for the Cyprus issue. After all, who believes a solution is possible when the two leaders cannot even agree on opening a checkpoint?
The principle of reciprocity in negotiations, applied at all levels, provides an effective incentive mechanism for all parties working to resolve a problem. The Cyprus issue, in all its aspects, operates on this principle: mutual concessions. “I will give you this, provided you give me that.” Reciprocity ensures equality at the negotiating table, preventing the stronger party from imposing its will. It is an important principle that must be safeguarded, as it also protects the weaker side.
However, rigid adherence to this principle can sometimes create deadlock. There are occasions when bypassing it may open the way for larger and more meaningful exchanges. For example, opening the Mia Milia checkpoint would benefit citizens of both communities, regardless of it being a request from the Turkish Cypriot side. Traffic through the checkpoints is not one-sided. There are no “ours” or “theirs” checkpoints. This logic applies only at the negotiation table, where reciprocity guides the discussion. Citizens do not distinguish checkpoints as Greek Cypriot or Turkish Cypriot.
Since opening the Mia Milia checkpoint offers mutual benefits and could create opportunities for restarting talks, why cling unproductively to a principle? It may be wiser to set it aside this time, since the declared goal of the Greek Cypriot side is substantive discussion and the convening of an informal five-party conference as soon as possible.
Accordingly, the Greek Cypriot side could offer a gift to the Turkish Cypriot side, a gift that carries obligations for them. Generosity is always acknowledged, and meetings between the leaders occur under UN supervision. This gesture would create pressure on the Turkish Cypriot community, reinforced by Olguin’s oversight, supporting her efforts to restart dialogue.
Historically, "gifts" and acts of generosity have played a major role in ensuring peace and establishing social bonds within early human communities. They functioned as a social mechanism to overcome suspicion and hostility. Gifts established peace between adversaries and opened the path for cooperation and alliance.