Toros: "The Geneva Summit Could Pave a New Roadmap for Cyprus"

Speaking on the “Agenda” program on Cyprus Post TV, hosted by Ulaş Barış, Toros shared insights from his recent international visits, including the informal Geneva Summit on Cyprus.

He highlighted a workshop on federalism held in Bern, where his belief in a federal solution for Cyprus was reinforced. He also discussed his meetings in Ankara.

Toros underscored Turkey’s ongoing transformation, particularly in light of developments in Syria and Ukraine, which he believes have strengthened Turkey’s Western-oriented vision. He noted that Turkey’s commitment to the European Union (EU) and transatlantic relations was at an all-time high. According to Toros, journalists in Turkey remarked, “Congratulations, Cyprus is next,” reflecting an expectation that the Cyprus issue could soon be revisited within Turkey’s evolving foreign policy.

"TURKEY’S STRENGTHENING EU RELATIONS ARE MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL"

Addressing geopolitical shifts, Toros stressed that the EU increasingly relies on Turkey, particularly amid the Ukraine crisis, which has elevated Turkey’s strategic importance. He suggested that the easing of visa restrictions for Turkish citizens traveling to the EU could be on the horizon.

Toros reminded that 83% of Turkey’s exports go to the EU, reinforcing the significance of maintaining strong bilateral ties. He added that strengthening these relations would be advantageous for both sides.

Commenting on the implications of Turkey’s EU engagement for Cyprus, Toros revisited the failed Crans-Montana talks, citing a lack of political will among all parties, the underestimation of the issue’s international dimensions, and the shortcomings of the United Nations’ negotiation methods as key factors in the deadlock.

"GENEVA SUMMIT WILL HELP SET A ROADMAP, IT WILL NOT END IN FAILURE"

Outlining his expectations for the Geneva Summit, Toros noted that meaningful negotiations have been ongoing since the Annan Plan was introduced and effectively concluded at Crans-Montana. Contrary to popular belief, he argued that substantive negotiations have only taken place in the past 15 years, during which significant agreements were reached.

Toros highlighted the benefits of informal discussions, which allow for the exploration of multiple topics, including regional developments affecting Cyprus. He expressed optimism that the Geneva Summit could help outline the next steps and potentially lead to further negotiations, facilitated by UN-appointed mediators. He was confident that the summit would not end in failure.

"THE PEOPLE KNOW WHO THEY WANT AS THEIR NEXT PRESIDENT"

Concluding his remarks, Toros evaluated President Ersin Tatar’s tenure, criticizing his negotiation stance and asserting that no significant progress had been made over the past four years. He pointed specifically to the issue of Varosha, arguing that no meaningful steps had been taken to return properties to their rightful owners.

Pointing to the upcoming CTP congress, Toros suggested that the public had already decided on its preferred candidate for the next presidential election.