Özersay: Progress Expected on Checkpoints, Another Informal Summit Possible in September

Speaking on Gündem New York Special on Kıbrıs Postası TV, Özersay also suggested that another summit of similar nature could be held in September on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, potentially receiving a favourable response from both communities.

“Positive Development Expected on Border Crossings”

Commenting on the recent meeting in New York, Özersay said the talks may open the door to progress on border crossing issues. He noted that while the full content of the meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides remains unclear, such high-level contacts represent a significant turning point in the Cyprus issue and are diplomatically important regardless of their immediate outcomes.

“U.S. Influence in Cyprus Expected to Grow”

Özersay also pointed to the deepening strategic ties between the United States and the Greek Cypriot side, arguing that the U.S. is likely to increase its influence in Cyprus in line with its regional interests. At the same time, he said any positive developments in U.S.–Turkey relations could result in outcomes favourable to Turkey regarding Cyprus.

“A Second Informal Summit May Be Held Around the UN General Assembly in September”

According to Özersay, expectations have been lowered on the Greek Cypriot side, and the mere continuation of the process is now seen as a positive development in the south. He noted that the UN General Assembly in September will bring all parties together again, making it likely that a second informal summit, following the recent one in New York, could be held around the same time.

“Both North and South Likely to Welcome September Summit”

With presidential elections approaching in the north this October, Özersay predicted that incumbent President Ersin Tatar would also be inclined to attend such a summit in the interest of maintaining international visibility. He added that the election period could see the return of the Cyprus issue to the negotiation table.