Kombos: No Certainty on How the Turkish Side Will Act After October

Speaking to Fileleftheros newspaper, Kombos emphasized that the Turkish side’s stance and intentions have created a new space and momentum that did not exist previously, allowing for potential assessment of their actions.

Kombos claimed that Turkey attempted to block humanitarian aid sent by the Greek Cypriot Administration to Gaza but was unsuccessful. He accused Turkey of being “very creative” in undermining all efforts of the Greek Cypriot side, describing this as part of Turkey’s strategic choices.

He noted that Turkey employs both conventional and asymmetric deterrence measures, including diplomatic pressure on third countries and attempts to cast doubt on the feasibility or competitiveness of humanitarian initiatives. Kombos framed this as a “existential threat,” warning against being lulled by a false sense of normality.

Citing recent incidents, Kombos referred to the case of five Greek Cypriots detained by the Turkish-controlled authorities around the presidential election process, labeling it an unacceptable act of retaliation. He also mentioned the forced resignation of UK Trade Envoy Afzal Khan following his visit to the TRNC as an example of Turkey’s strategic influence.

Kombos stressed that the Greek Cypriot side continues to create conditions to enable substantive negotiations at the UN framework, despite the Turkish side’s “sterile” reactions. He highlighted the role of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in personally engaging with the Cyprus issue amid global crises, noting that the Turkish side has consistently maintained a rejecting stance.

While underscoring that the Greek Cypriot side has demonstrated consistency, sincerity, and constructive engagement, Kombos reiterated that there is no certainty on how the Turkish side will act after the October election, but efforts will continue under the parameters of the UN Security Council, with the aim of returning to substantive negotiations.

Kombos concluded that the EU framework remains central to continued diplomatic efforts, and conditions could be created to encourage changes in Turkey’s negative positions.