Cyprus’ split rival leaders break into working together, but the rift remains
Nicosia, Cyprus (AP) – Competitive leaders of Cyprus’ racial division made some progress on Wednesday in promoting trust between Greek and Turkish-speaking communities with conflict rates, agreeing to study more in-depth the dangers posed by minefields and jointly study environmental programs.
But the two sides still have a long way to go to formally restart the dying peace negotiations, with both leaders referring to the ongoing fundamental rift of the peace agreement in every aspect.
In a joint statement following the UN chairing the meeting, the island’s Greek Cypriots run for president separated from Turkey Cyprus Cyprus Cyprus and Nicos Christoduliles leaders said they also agreed to restore neglected cemeteries and restored joint youths with their related issues.
The measure echoes the measures agreed by the two leaders at Geneva meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, which aims to breathe new life into the process of vacation in nearly eight years. Guterres said he would appoint a special envoy to restart formal peace talks.
When Turkey invaded the northern part of the country in 1974 after the failure of Turkey’s alliance with Greece, the Mediterranean island was divided. Only Türkiye recognizes Turkey’s Declaration of Independence in Cyprus, the third in the north of the island has more than 35,000 soldiers.
Although Cyprus joined the EU in 2004, only the Greek Cypriots, which are seated in an internationally recognized government, enjoy full membership benefits.
There was no agreement on Wednesday for two major trust initiatives: to build a solar park within a 180-km (120-mile)-long UN buffer cut section throughout the island and to add nine existing crossings along the dividing line.
Tatar said he is full of hope “in time we will be able to succeed”.
“My friend Nikos has his own principles and I want our principles. It’s important to exchange and be positive so that we can achieve our goals together,” Tatar said.
Christodoulides suggested Tatar’s use of solar parks to promote his vision for Cyprus subdivision. Leaders agreed to meet again later this month.
The leaders’ remarks point to how the two sides envision a broad bay between the future peaceful solutions.
Tatar and Tatar insist that the two countries deal is now the only way to resolve one of the world’s toughest disputes, as the “old” model (a federation of Greek and Turkish-style regions) is no longer feasible after decades of failure.
Greece Cyprus said any transaction of a solid island partition would not begin because it violates the long-standing United Nations resolution of the federally recognized.
They also rejected the needs of Türkiye and Turkey Cyprus, demanding the right to exist and military intervention under any agreement and granting a small number of Turkish Cyprus residents the power to all federal government decisions.
