The Turkish side objects to the submission of a document outlining the points of convergence that have been reached on the Cyprus issue, while the Greek Cypriot side believes that such a document could serve as the basis for resuming negotiations, according to sources who spoke to CNA.
As the same sources reported, the proposal to document the areas of convergence had been put forward by Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman. However, the Turkish Cypriot side subsequently reportedly refused to accept the relevant document, while, according to the same sources, the Turkish side also objects to its submission.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
According to the sources, the President of the Republic proposed an alternative: in the event that the handover of the document outlining the points of convergence proves impossible, that the points of divergence be recorded so that the process can begin at the points on which the two sides disagree.
The same sources reported that the issue had also been raised during the previous visit to Cyprus by the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, María Ángela Olguín. At that time, a two-page document listing the areas of convergence—without detailed content—had been prepared with the intention of providing it to both sides.
According to sources, the Republic of Cyprus had no objection to the document being handed over. However, when Ms. Olgin traveled to the occupied areas, the Turkish Cypriot side reportedly stated that it did not wish to receive it, and the document was ultimately not handed over.
P5: The new Secretary-General will continue to act on the same basis regarding the Cyprus issue
According to sources, special mention was made during Wednesday’s briefing to the National Council regarding the President of the Republic’s contacts with the five permanent members of the Security Council (P5).
As reported, the President stated that these contacts revealed a common position among the five permanent members regarding the need to resolve the Cyprus issue on the basis of the agreed parameters.
At the same time, according to the same sources, it was conveyed that even in the event of a change in the UN Secretary-General, the new Secretary-General would continue to act on the basis of the mandate provided by the Security Council and could not deviate from it.
Disagreement on Demining
With regard to demining, the sources noted that the main issue concerns the areas where the measure is proposed to be implemented.
As they noted, the United Nations has identified areas in both the occupied and free zones.
According to the same sources, the Greek Cypriot side has stated its readiness to proceed immediately with the demining of these areas, while the Turkish Cypriot side reportedly wishes to limit the process to one area where it has tanks.
Turkey’s stance
Sources also reported that, according to the briefing to the National Council, the Greek Cypriot side believes that Turkey is seeking to prolong the process until the end of the UN Secretary-General’s term.
In the same context, reference was also made to participation in a meeting with the UN Secretary-General. As sources noted, over the past two years, meetings took place between the President of the Republic and the then-leader Ersin Tatar in the presence of the Secretary-General, while Tufan Erhurman declined a similar meeting with the President and the UN Secretary-General.
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Source: CNA
