Sözen: The Process Began Not by Tatar's Initiative, but by Turkey's Encouragement

Speaking to Kıbrıs Postası, Sözen pointed out several key points from the informal dinner hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres with the two Cypriot leaders:

1. There is no common ground between the two communities.
2. The two leaders confirmed that they would discuss and try to agree on opening more crossing points between the two sides.
3. The UN has authorized its Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, to oversee the continuation of these informal talks, which may expand to include the guarantor countries in a 4+1 or 5+1 format (with the UK's involvement still unclear).

"The Dynamic Driving the Dialogue is Linked to Turkey's Integration into the Eastern Mediterranean Equation"

Sözen contextualized the dinner within the broader regional dynamics, emphasizing that the dialogue's initiation is connected to efforts to reintegrate Turkey into the Eastern Mediterranean equation, from which it had been excluded for some time. He recalled that Turkey had been sidelined by a regional bloc that initially included Israel, Greece, and the Greek Cypriot side, with later involvement from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

"Turkey Has Started to Normalize Relations with Regional Countries"

Sözen noted that while Turkey initially referred to this isolation as "precious loneliness," it later realized that this isolation was not as valuable as once thought, leading to a shift in foreign policy aimed at normalizing relations with these regional actors.

"The Process Began Not by Tatar's Initiative, but by Turkey's Encouragement"

He pointed to Turkey's recent rapprochement with Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and especially Greece, as evidence that Turkey now seeks to prioritize cooperation over tension in the region. "Therefore, this step in Cyprus was likely taken not by President Ersin Tatar's initiative, but by Turkey's encouragement in response to regional developments," Sözen stated.

"There is Still a Long Way to Go"

Sözen concluded by emphasizing that the process is still in its early stages. For the informal talks to evolve into official negotiations, regional dynamics and cooperation between regional actors, particularly on energy and security issues, will play a crucial role.