We had said that what matters is not the frequency of meetings, but their substance. Unfortunately, after each meeting, the atmosphere seems to be deteriorating rather than showing progress. One might reasonably ask: if the two leaders couldn’t even reach an understanding on a human tragedy, how much closer can these meetings bring them?
Their statements reveal differing perspectives. President Christodoulides speaks of a will that could make history. The Turkish Cypriot leader, on the other hand, reveals a lack of trust, bringing up the issue of isolation again—interventions by Nicosia to prevent foreign ambassadors from being briefed by the Turkish Cypriot negotiator, as well as the cancellation of events in the occupied territories, such as festivals or the Barcelona soccer camp. Now the issue of our relations with Israel has been added to the mix.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
There is, therefore, a problem of trust and communication. This has become even more pressing following the visit by Guterres, who set conditions and raised the bar for expectations. Ms. Olgin’s absence removes an additional source of pressure that would have been helpful.
Given the current situation, the possibility of a five-party meeting is receding. However, we must not underestimate Guterres’s determination to make progress.
In any case, by the end of September, the situation regarding the Cyprus issue will have become clear.
This is something everyone is waiting for, after all, so they can take a position in the pre-election race—which is what interests them the most.
