The latest dialogue between Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides concluded without reaching an agreement on fresh confidence-building measures, as efforts continue to resolve the longstanding Cyprus dispute. The two leaders met for an hour in the United Nations-controlled buffer zone, where discussions centered around strategies to move the negotiation process forward and enhance mutual trust.
Erhürman highlighted that while both sides engaged in discussions about internal and external actions impacting the established trust, they ultimately could not agree on new measures. He emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for progress, as urged by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Erhürman stated that this would necessitate the introduction of new confidence-building measures and the avoidance of actions that could further erode trust between the communities.
Adding to the complexities, Maria Angela Holguin, the UN secretary-general’s personal envoy on Cyprus, is unable to visit the island before the UN General Assembly due to health issues. Her absence marks another challenge in advancing the peace talks. The Cyprus peace process has faced numerous obstacles over the years, including the collapse of reunification negotiations in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in 2017.
The Turkish Cypriot side maintains its support for a two-state settlement based on sovereign equality, contrasting with prior negotiations, which focused on a federal model. Despite the differences, the leaders remain committed to continuing their dialogue. Their next meeting is scheduled for September 17 in the UN buffer zone, although it will proceed without Holguin’s participation.