The meeting between Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and European Union officials currently in Ankara sheds light on the Cyprus issue and on developments that could prove decisive.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Kaia Kallas, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, along with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, express their support for the UN Secretary-General’s efforts regarding the Cyprus issue.

Turkey’s written endorsement of António Guterres’s efforts indicates that Erdogan is ready to discuss security and guarantee issues during the crucial NATO summit on July 7 and 8—a summit at which European Council President Antonio Costa, who is in close contact with the UN Secretary-General, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

CNN TURK “One
of the most important issues was security and defense, given the upcoming NATO summit. Turkey emphasized that the European Union should not exclude it from certain security issues.The parties also discussed a number of issues, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the Middle East, and Cyprus. For example, it was mentioned once again that there is support for the period while the UN Secretary-General is still in office.”

Indirectly but clearly, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that the Cyprus issue is a bargaining chip for European concessions. He reiterated that his country is tired of constantly having Cyprus stand in the way of its accession efforts.

HAKAN FINDAN—Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs: “You know
, there is a strong desire on both sides regarding the issue of upgrading Turkey’s customs union. However, due to the Greek Cypriot side’s specific obstruction on this issue, progress cannot be made at the desired pace.”

He emphasized that Ankara’s goal remains full membership in the European Union.

The United Nations is closely monitoring the European Union’s consultations with Turkey, as the success or failure of the Guterres initiative depends on them.

In her remarks, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Maria Olgin, sends an extremely important message to all parties involved in the Cyprus issue. She emphasized that the current situation—the status quo—can no longer be considered a guarantee of stability and security for the island.

MARIA OLGIN—UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy—
“We all observe that developments in the region are leading to increasing tension and confrontation between states. In this environment, it becomes even more urgent to reach a decision that will benefit all Cypriots and put a definitive end to so many years of uncertainty.” 

Olgin notes, however, that amid this climate of uncertainty, powerful forces are emerging that appear to want to maintain the status quo, though she does not name them.

MARIA OLGIN—Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General “The
UN Secretary-General remains fully committed to supporting efforts to find a mutually beneficial solution for all Cypriots. I sincerely hope that the Cypriots will seize this historic opportunity this time to negotiate a lasting solution.”

At the same time, he notes that he has observed media reports full of speculation and creative interpretations, the result of rumors and misconceptions on both sides, and points out that not a single word in them comes from her. 

See the report by Giorgos Georgiadis:

READ ALSO: Fidan Blames Us for the Upgrade of the Turkey–EU Customs Union | AlphaNews