Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman announced on Wednesday that his recent meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides did not result in any new confidence-building measures to help resolve the ongoing Cyprus dispute. The talks, which lasted an hour, took place in the buffer zone managed by the United Nations and primarily focused on ways to enhance the negotiation process.
Erhürman reported that despite their discussions, both sides were unable to agree on new initiatives. They also shared perspectives on internal and external factors that they believe are undermining the existing trust between the communities. He highlighted the necessity of establishing a conducive environment for progress, in line with the recommendations of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, which would involve both parties implementing new confidence-building measures and refraining from actions that could further erode mutual trust.
In addition, Erhürman mentioned that Maria Angela Holguin, the UN secretary-general’s personal envoy for Cyprus, would not be visiting the island before the UN General Assembly due to health issues. Her absence marks another challenge in the ongoing efforts to reinvigorate the peace process, which has encountered numerous setbacks over the years.
The path to peace in Cyprus has been fraught with difficulties, including the breakdown of reunification talks in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in 2017. While the Turkish Cypriot side remains committed to a two-state solution based on sovereign equality, previous discussions have centered on a federal model. The leaders are set to reconvene in the UN buffer zone on September 17, although the next meeting will take place without the presence of Holguin.