Information about a new plan to resolve the Cyprus issue, which is reportedly being drafted by the personal envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General, María Ángela Olguín, has been published by the British newspaper The Independent. This is not an official UN proposal, but rather a set of ideas aimed at bridging the differences between the two sides, the article notes.

The plan calls for the creation of two constituent states with political equality and a significant limitation on shared responsibilities. Day-to-day governance will be exercised primarily by the two constituent states, while a small central structure will manage the responsibilities that cannot be exercised separately.

According to the report on shared competences, the following, among other things, is proposed:

A rotating presidential council headed by the two leaders, with a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio in favor of the Greek Cypriot side.

A supreme council composed of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot members of parliament instead of a directly elected federal parliament.

A joint cabinet with approximately five or six ministries, such as Foreign Affairs, Defense, Interior/Citizenship, Finance, and European Affairs.

It is also proposed that there be at least one decisive vote by a Turkish Cypriot minister in the Cabinet, as a guarantee of genuine political equality, although this point is likely to be a major sticking point in the negotiations.

The Independent also notes that the Republic of Cyprus is seeking the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island, which it characterizes as an occupying army, while the Turkish Cypriot side insists that their presence is essential for the security of Turkish Cypriots.

Regarding the 1960 system of guarantees, the report states that consideration is being given to replacing the role of the United Kingdom, Greece, and Turkey with a NATO-led mechanism, which could include a small multinational military presence on the island.

The United Nations is also reportedly considering a two- or three-year transition period, with an initial return of territories, starting with Varosha, and the gradual implementation of the “three points” demanded by the Turkish Cypriot side: direct trade, direct flights, and direct contacts, as well as the easing of Turkish restrictions and access for Cypriot ships to Turkish ports.

At the same time, it expresses the hope that progress will be made on the exploitation of natural gas reserves, while the resolution of the Cyprus issue could be linked to the broader European agenda on EU-Turkey relations – Turkey relations, and specifically with the upgrading of the customs union, as part of a comprehensive agreement package.

The report, citing sources, claims that Tufan Erhürman appears more willing to negotiate such a plan, while the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, appears more cautious.

The Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus in London, Spyros Miltiadis, told the newspaper that:

“As far as I know, there is no official United Nations proposal to which any side has been asked to respond. The ideas circulating appear to be more hypothetical than constituting a specific proposal or plan. Any substantial progress must come about through the established process under the auspices of the UN and within the framework of the agreed-upon UN parameters.”

Finally, it is worth noting that the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, referring to other related reports on July 1, had stated that  “not a single written word has come from me,” and even described them as “the product of rumors and misconceptions.” At the same time, she made it clear that she is focusing her attention on listening to the positions of both sides and exploring options to create the conditions for the resumption of negotiations.

Source: CNA