Signs point to a positive outcome in the consultations led by the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on the Cyprus Issue, María Ángela Olguín, regarding an agreement on confidence-building measures and the prospect of creatingthe conditions for convening a new Informal Five-Party Conference with “guarantees of success,” the government notes.
Speaking on the “Alpha News” program, Deputy Government Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou emphasized that Ms. Olguín is constantly traveling between the occupied and free areas, implementing the decisions and directives set forth by António Guterres during his visit to Cyprus last summer.
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As she explained, the Secretary-General does not wish to conclude his term without progress having been made on the Cyprus issue, and in this context, Ms. Olgin is holding talks focused on the MOUs, including the issue of roadblocks.
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The process is at a “sensitive juncture”
The Deputy Government Spokesperson avoided going into details, noting that the process is at a particularly “sensitive stage” and that any public statement could influence its outcome.
Referring to the ongoing consultations, Yiannis Antoniou revealed that, while the other side had previously raised objections regarding the 19 proposals submitted by the President of the Republic, additional proposals have now been submitted, which appear to be viewed positively by the Turkish Cypriot side.
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MOE with a “sense of mutual benefit”
Regarding María Ángela Olguín’s visits to the occupied areas and the discussions on crossing points, Mr. Antoniou emphasized that the issue is not merely technical but is linked to Turkey’s military presence and control.
As he noted, when a roadblock is discussed, what is essentially being discussed is a military zone in which Turkey—and not the current Turkish Cypriot leader—has the final say. He also recalled that during a meeting between the President of the Republic and Tufan Erhürman, the issue of the Pyla-Arsos road had been raised.
He explained, at the same time, that for an agreement to be reached, the principle of reciprocity must be ensured, so that each side feels it is deriving some benefit from the concessions it is called upon to make. As he noted, the formula could include one measure from each side or even two measures from each side, provided there is a balance and a sense of mutual benefit.
READ ALSO: The “Tough” Backstory of the Cyprus Issue: Fidan’s Downfall, Olgin’s Slip-Up, and Christodoulides’ Expectations
Turkey Far from Normalization
When asked to comment on the European Commission’s report on Turkey, the Deputy Government Spokesperson stated that the concerns expressed from time to time by the Republic of Cyprus regarding Turkish violations have been confirmed.
He emphasized that the Republic of Cyprus is moving forward with upgrading its defense capabilities, clarifying that its military equipment is defensive in nature and intended to protect the country. In contrast, he noted, the country across the divide maintains an aggressive posture.
Focusing on the broader picture of Euro-Turkish relations, Mr. Antoniou noted that Turkey remains far from normalizing its relations with the European Union. This development, as he pointed out, is a problem and a source of concern for Nicosia, as it also affects progress on the Cyprus issue.
When asked to comment on Turkey’s claims against Greece in the Aegean and Ankara’s stance on the Cyprus issue, he stated that these are separate issues, noting that Greece has brought specific matters before the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
SEE ALSO: EU Commission Report: Turkey Refuses to Cooperate with the Republic of Cyprus, Insists on a Two-State Solution
GSI: Greece to issue a Navtex
Finally, referring to developments surrounding the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection project via the GSI undersea cable, Yiannis Antoniou characterized the issuance of a Navtex as a sovereign right of Greece, which it will exercise at a time it deems appropriate. As he noted, the Republic of Cyprus is aware that Greece will proceed with the issuance of the Navtex.
SEE ALSO: Turkish Foreign Ministry to the European Commission: “The EU unconditionally adopts the positions of the Greek Cypriot side”
