“I hope there will be a response from Mr. Erdoğan. If there is a response along the lines I mentioned earlier, we are ready for the European Union to respond as well.” ^{Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic}

So the most crucial moment for the Cyprus issue is… now, as tonight’s dinner between Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and European institutions—specifically Ursula von der Leyen— will be decisive for the initiative undertaken by the United Nations.

The message they will convey to the Turkish President is clear.

“There must be progress on the Cyprus issue—substantial progress on the Cyprus issue—toward the resumption of talks, based on the agreed framework, so that any positive steps regarding EU-Turkey relations can be considered.” ^{Nikos Christodoulides}, ^{President of the Republic}

The Brussels package of concessions includes Ankara’s participation in the SAFE program, the improvement and modernization of Turkey’s Customs Union, as well as the abolition of visa requirements for Turkish citizens.

Nikos Christodoulides will be briefed in person on Turkey’s reaction by Ursula von der Leyen, in Paris on July 13, during events marking the anniversary of the French Revolution.

Prior to that, there will be telephone conversations.

In any case, July 13 is the date on which Maria Olgin is scheduled to travel to Brussels for meetings with European officials.

A Night of Suspense

Despite the efforts made in this direction by the European Union delegation that recently visited Erdogan, led by Kaya Kalas, the outcome regarding progress on the Cyprus issue is by no means certain.

The inclusion of the Cyprus issue in the joint Turkey-EU communiqué, in support of the Guterres initiative, is an extremely important development. However, Erdogan—who is not only unpredictable but also made sure to send the message that he first wants to ensure he gets what he wants before he’ll give anything on the Cyprus issue.

Political circles also point to Erdogan’s long-standing bad… tensions between Erdogan and Ursula von der Leyen, who just recently called Turkey… a “bad influence.”

However, it is clear that at tonight’s meeting, an effort will be made to set aside the heavy legacy of past tensions and move EU–Turkey relations into a new phase.

Guterres’ Messages

Antonio Guterres is also waiting on the line, having received his own assurances from Erdogan that things will move forward.

His report on the window of opportunity made the front page of the Turkish Cypriot press.

“UN Calls on Leaders to Show Political Will” ^{Halkin Sesi}

“The Guterres report is a warning to the Greek Cypriot leader that failure to implement initiatives agreed upon within the framework of the MOUs is hindering a solution to the Cyprus problem.” ^Kipris

“Window of opportunity”—^{Yeni Duzan}

With the so-called Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu simultaneously accusing Tufan Erhurman, claiming that his actions have weakened the Turkish Cypriot side’s international position regarding an independent state.

See the report by Giorgos Georgiadis