Borman: Holguin's Messages Should Not Be Overshadowed by Fidias Interview

In a written statement, Borman welcomed Fidias’ efforts to better understand Turkish Cypriots and Turkish Cypriot politics and to enhance intercommunal dialogue through his own channels. “The interview can be considered a success for both sides in terms of politics and communication. Mr Tatar spoke sincerely about his policies, and Fidias did not shy away from asking questions with the same sincerity,” she said.

Borman emphasized that while the interview sparked a valuable exchange, the absence of effective dialogue and consultation between the two sides today is largely due to the unilateral and exclusionary policies pursued by both leaderships. “In such an environment, efforts to understand the other side become even more valuable—provided that the prevailing culture of public shaming allows for a healthy societal debate,” she added.

Turning to Holguin’s recent interviews with Kıbrıs Postası in the north and Politis in the south, Borman highlighted the UN envoy’s remarks that the bi-zonal, bi-communal federation (BBF) remains the framework endorsed by the UN Security Council, but that the failure of the Crans-Montana talks has led to the BBF no longer being a shared reference point for both sides.

“This statement, especially in her interview to the Greek Cypriot press, sends a clear message to the Greek Cypriot leadership: the cost of derailing the Crans-Montana process is that the only mutually acceptable solution—federation—is no longer common ground,” said Borman.

She added that how seriously the Greek Cypriot leadership takes this message remains to be seen, but Holguin's remarks will likely continue to shape developments going forward.

Borman also stressed that the Turkish Cypriot side should take note of the UN’s continued recognition of federation as the only solution framework. “The key question arising from both messages is: what steps can the Greek Cypriot side take to bring the Turkish Cypriot side back to common ground, given the lack of a genuine will to resolve the issue in Crans-Montana?”

She noted that the UN intends to proceed step by step, focusing first on confidence-building measures agreed in Geneva. While this may be preferable to inaction, Borman echoed Holguin’s call—expressed in her interview with Kıbrıs Postası—for a “new and bolder agenda” that can work in the interests of both communities.

Borman concluded by underlining the significance of Holguin’s comments on property issues, saying that recent developments are the product of a lack of negotiations and that resolution can only come through a return to the negotiating table.

“These messages may not be new,” she said, “but they are vital reminders that the Cyprus problem can only be meaningfully addressed if both sides move away from unilateral, exclusionary politics and start taking steps toward each other.”