Efforts to find a resolution to the long-standing Cyprus dispute encountered another hurdle as Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman announced on Wednesday that talks with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides did not yield an agreement on new confidence-building measures. The leaders met for an hour in a United Nations-controlled buffer zone, concentrating primarily on initiatives designed to foster trust and advance negotiations. Despite the dialogue, both sides were unable to agree on fresh measures and shared concerns over actions, both domestic and international, that they believe are eroding the trust built between the communities.
Erhürman emphasized the necessity of establishing a conducive atmosphere for progress, aligning with the call from UN Secretary-General António Guterres. He noted that achieving this would require both parties to propose new confidence-building measures and steer clear of actions that could further undermine mutual trust. The talks are part of ongoing efforts to resolve the Cyprus conflict, which has seen numerous setbacks, including the breakdown of reunification negotiations in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in 2017.
Adding to the complications, Erhürman revealed that Maria Angela Holguin, the UN secretary-general’s personal envoy on Cyprus, would be unable to visit the island prior to the UN General Assembly due to health issues. This absence could impact the momentum of the peace process, which has seen the Turkish Cypriot side advocating for a two-state solution based on sovereign equality, contrasting with past negotiations that leaned towards a federal model.
The two leaders have agreed to reconvene in the UN buffer zone on September 17. The upcoming meeting is expected to proceed without the participation of Holguin, potentially adding to the challenges in reaching a consensus. As both sides prepare for the next round of discussions, the focus remains on finding a pathway to bolster trust and explore viable solutions to one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.