Efforts are continuing to resume the talks, as confirmed by Menelaos Menelaou, the negotiator for the Greek Cypriot side, speaking on the Alpha Kalokairi program, who noted that preparatory work is proceeding in specific steps.
The strategic goal remains the liberation and reunification of the island through a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem. According to Mr. Menelaou, the effort is being carried out exclusively within the agreed-upon United Nations framework, which is the federal framework. Despite Ankara’s repeated calls for a two-state solution, the negotiator emphasized that the messages from the United Nations Secretary-General make it clear that there can be no alternative to a federation.
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Mr. Menelaou denounced a recurring “pattern of obstruction, obstruction, and delay” of the entire effort on the part of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership. Specifically, he noted that the other side is deliberately causing a lack of progress, even on low-level political issues such as the MOEs, so that it can subsequently cite this as a reason for not addressing the substance of the problem.
“It should be noted that throughout this entire period, what we have observed on the part of both the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey is a pattern of obstruction, hinder, and slow down the entire effort. This is also achieved by creating obstacles in order to prevent various aspects of this ongoing effort from moving forward at a faster pace.”
A prime example is the opening of crossing points. The negotiator noted that the Secretary-General has submitted a compromise and reasonable proposal that includes a crossing from the Athenou-Pyroi area to Aglantzia, along with the crossing point at Mia Milia. The Greek Cypriot side accepted this proposal as early as last July in New York; however, the Turkish side remains opposed.
“The proposal includes a combined approach for the route from Athienou through Pyroi to Aglantzia. It also includes the Mia Milia crossing point, so it would be an agreement that includes the crossing point at Mia Milia and the Athainou-Pyroi crossing point toward Aglantzia. This proposal for the Athienou–Pyroi–Aglantzia route was further refined during the Secretary-General’s recent visit. On our part, this position was accepted last July in New York, and we have reiterated this position now; had the Turkish Cypriot side responded positively, we could have reached an agreement.”
He pointed out that efforts are continuing on that issue as well as on other issues.
He noted that despite the difficulties, preparatory work is underway with the aim of convening a subsequent expanded meeting (5+1). A key element of this phase is documenting areas of convergence on the substance of the issue, a task being carried out by a constitutional expert appointed by the United Nations.
Mr. Menelaou emphasized that this preparation is essential so that, when the next meeting takes place, there will be a fully prepared outcome that will lead to a decision to resume talks, while fully preserving the achievements of the process.
Regarding the constitutional expert who has taken on the Cyprus issue, when asked if a specific timeline has been set for him, he replied that he is not aware of the terms of his assignment, adding that he has begun his work but is not currently in Cyprus.
He concluded that efforts are continuing on all fronts simultaneously, in the hope of softening the stance of the other side, which is currently acting as an obstacle.
