Işıksal on Tripartite Meeting: An Opportunity for Peace and Cooperation

In an analysis written for Anadolu Agency (AA), Işıksal discussed the informal dinner meeting hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres with President Ersin Tatar and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides on October 15.

Held amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and regional instability, the meeting was framed as an opportunity to further peace efforts, particularly through the six cooperation proposals introduced by the Turkish Cypriot side. These proposals aimed to enhance cooperation and address regional issues, according to Işıksal.

"An Opportunity for Regional Peace and Cooperation"

Prior to the meeting, President Tatar emphasized that the dinner was an informal gathering, following the report of UN Special Representative Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, and a chance to assess the current situation. He stressed that the gathering provided a significant opportunity for advancing regional peace and cooperation, especially given the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

While the Greek Cypriot side framed the meeting as a continuation of negotiations from where they left off in 2017 at Crans-Montana, aiming for a return to the two-state federal solution in line with the UN Security Council resolutions, President Tatar reaffirmed the Turkish Cypriot position. He emphasized that without the recognition of Turkish Cypriots' sovereign equality and equal international status, no official negotiations could begin. He also raised the issue of lifting the unjust embargoes and isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people.

Greek Cypriot leader Christodoulides, on the other hand, admitted there was no progress towards restarting negotiations, highlighting the failure of the Greek Cypriot narrative. He also suggested that future informal meetings should include the UK.

Outcomes of the Meeting

From the Turkish side’s perspective, the informal dinner in New York ended with several positive outcomes. First, the Greek Cypriot narrative that "the Turkish side avoids dialogue" was effectively debunked, reaffirming that the Turkish Cypriots are ready for discussions, particularly on cooperation projects benefiting both communities on the island.

Second, it was acknowledged for the first time by the UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson that there is no common ground between the two sides, marking a significant shift in the long-standing impasse. This also confirmed that any further discussions on a federal solution are unlikely.

Additionally, President Tatar’s firm stance prevented the extension of UN Special Representative Holguin’s mandate, further demonstrating the lack of common ground between the parties. Lastly, the Turkish Cypriot side raised concerns about the illegal isolation and pressures imposed by the Greek Cypriot side, including recent crackdowns on tourism, real estate, and foreign investments in the TRNC.

In conclusion, the proactive policies pursued by the Turkish Cypriot side, supported by Turkey, continue to emphasize sovereign equality and equal international status as the basis for any future settlement. The meeting underscored that a fair and lasting solution on the island can only be achieved through the recognition of the realities of two states on Cyprus.