A short break in the Cyprus talks, with the two leaders taking a brief breather and preparing for a busy fall. All eyes are on their meeting on the 26th of this month. Next week, negotiators are expected to meet to lay the groundwork for the one-on-one talks, the agenda for which has not yet been set.
The most significant developments at this time are not taking place in Cyprus but in Canada, where Professor McGarry is compiling the points of convergence reached up to Crans-Montana. It is estimated that by the last week of the month, the documentation will be completed and subsequently submitted to both sides for review. The one-on-one meeting between the two leaders, however, will not be limited to the substance of the Cyprus issue but will also address confidence-building measures.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Removing a roadblock is no easy task
Opening even a single roadblock will not be an easy undertaking due to the differing interpretations between the two sides and their respective demands. The Turkish Cypriot leader accuses the President of the Republic of introducing new crossing points into the discussion, while Tufan Erhürman insists on viewing the proposal for Athenou with skepticism.
He also notes that the discussion before the Secretary-General was limited to roadblocks and demining, while other measures of confidence-building remain pending. He continues to express serious reservations about Antonio Guterres’ proposal—which the Greek Cypriot side accepts—regarding the route from Athienou to Pyroi – Aglantzia route, believing that its implementation would cause major problems. However, he leaves the door open for discussion on all issues, stating that he will not be inflexible.
“Nor do I consider my own objections to be definitive rejections. Let’s look at the package. Let’s be patient. There is still time.” Tufan Erhürman, Turkish Cypriot leader
He declares himself ready to sit at the negotiating table, speaking of the importance of timing, but once again avoids specifying the model for a solution and chooses his words carefully when it comes to the substance of the problem. He does, however, insist on something different, which he links to building trust between the two sides.
“If we’re going to try again this time, it has to be different. I’m obsessed with this. The reason I’m obsessed isn’t to create a political position. Because if everything has been lost for 8 or 9 years, then it’s important for the two communities to trust each other again—not just the two peoples and the communities, but in fact the two leaders who are negotiating.” Tufan Erhürman, Turkish Cypriot leader
He is certain of one thing: the decisive and binding role that Turkey will play, both in the five-party talks and in the resolution of the Cyprus issue.
“You control 36% of Cyprus”
The Cyprus issue was once again a point of contention between Israel and Ankara. The Israeli Foreign Ministry, in a post, lambasted Turkey.
“Turkey has the audacity to criticize Israel. But what are the actual facts on the ground? Turkey occupies 36% of Cyprus, 5% of Syria, and approximately 2,000 square kilometers of Iraq.” Israeli Foreign Ministry
This scenario was repeated in June 2025 when Israeli Foreign Minister Katz, accused the Turkish president of hypocrisy, arguing that Ankara has invaded and illegally occupies northern Cyprus while also invading northern Syria.
Watch the report by Evangelos Agapios
