The Journey of Cyprus Negotiations: Where are we now and what’s next?

For over four decades, the island nation of Cyprus has been embroiled in a dispute between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, with Turkey occupying the northern part of the island since 1974. Over the years, there have been several rounds of negotiations between the two communities to find a lasting solution to the conflict.

The latest attempt at finding a solution to the Cyprus problem was initiated in 2014. The United Nations launched a new round of talks between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, with the aim of reuniting the island as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

The negotiations were led by the leaders of the two communities, Nicos Anastasiades and Mustafa Akıncı, and facilitated by the United Nations‘ Special Adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide. The talks were held in various locations, including Switzerland and Cyprus.

Initially, there was a lot of optimism surrounding the negotiations, with both sides expressing a willingness to work towards a solution. However, as the talks progressed, it became evident that there were significant differences between the two communities, particularly on the issues of territorial boundaries, property rights, and security guarantees.

Despite the challenges, the negotiations continued, with the leaders of the two communities engaging in direct talks on several occasions. However, in July 2017, the talks broke down amid disagreements over the issue of security and guarantees.

Since then, there has been no progress in the negotiations, and the situation in Cyprus remains unchanged. The Turkish Cypriot community continues to be isolated and dependent on Turkey, while the Greek Cypriot community occupies the southern part of the island and is recognized as the legitimate government of the Republic of Cyprus.

So, what’s next for Cyprus? At present, there is little hope of a breakthrough in the negotiations. The positions of the two communities remain entrenched, with each side blaming the other for the failure of the talks.

The United Nations has reiterated its commitment to finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, but there is little it can do without the cooperation of the two communities. It is now up to the leaders of the two communities to engage in constructive dialogue and find a way forward.

In conclusion, the journey of Cyprus negotiations has been long and arduous, marked by several rounds of talks and setbacks. Currently, there is a stalemate, with both sides unable to find common ground. However, it is important for both communities to continue engaging in dialogue and work towards a lasting solution to the conflict. It is only through compromise and cooperation that a durable peace can be achieved in Cyprus.