Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman announced on Wednesday that discussions with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides have not resulted in an agreement on new confidence-building measures. The talks, held in the United Nations-controlled buffer zone, aimed to advance efforts towards resolving the long-standing Cyprus dispute but concluded without a consensus on how to enhance mutual trust between the communities.
The meeting, which lasted for an hour, primarily focused on exploring ways to progress the negotiation process. Erhürman highlighted that despite exchanging views on both internal and external actions impacting trust, the two leaders were unable to establish new measures to reinforce confidence. Emphasizing the importance of fostering a conducive environment for progress, as advocated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Erhürman called for both sides to propose fresh initiatives while refraining from activities that might undermine the existing trust.
In a related development, Erhürman noted that Maria Angela Holguin, the UN secretary-general’s personal envoy on Cyprus, would not be visiting the island before the UN General Assembly due to health issues. This absence could impact the dynamics of the ongoing peace efforts. The peace process in Cyprus has encountered multiple challenges, notably the breakdown of reunification talks in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in 2017. The Turkish Cypriot leadership continues to advocate for a two-state solution grounded in sovereign equality, contrasting with the previously pursued federal model.
Looking ahead, the two leaders are scheduled to reconvene in the UN buffer zone on September 17. This upcoming meeting is expected to proceed without the participation of Holguin, potentially influencing the dialogue’s trajectory. As both sides prepare for this engagement, the emphasis remains on finding a path forward that addresses the complex issues dividing the island while maintaining hopes for a peaceful resolution.