UN Under Secretary General DiCarlo May Lead Expanded Cyprus Dialogue

NICOSIA: In a significant development in the Cyprus issue, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar discussed the continuation of their informal dialogue under a potentially expanded format during a dinner with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York. The dialogue could see the involvement of guarantor powers and may be led by UN Under Secretary General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo instead of María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the discussions between Guterres, Christodoulides, and Tatar also highlighted the initiative to explore the opening of new checkpoints as a part of confidence-building measures. The sources indicated a dual approach: expanding the informal dialogue and building trust to pave the path for resuming negotiations. Despite the preference of the Turkish Cypriot side to exclude the UK from expanded contacts and only include Greece and Turkey, the UN Secretary-General is set to involve London
, along with Athens and Ankara, in the next steps.

Tatar expressed dissatisfaction with Holguin’s reappointment, criticizing her inability to meet the Turkish Cypriot expectations regarding direct trade, flights, and contacts. Consequently, DiCarlo might be appointed to spearhead the expanded dialogue efforts. The Greek Cypriot side, on the other hand, insisted on the non-negotiable nature of the three singles: sovereignty, personality, and citizenship, emphasizing the need to preserve the functionality of the state as an EU member.

The meeting also delved into confidence-building measures, focusing primarily on the potential opening of new crossing points. While Tatar advocated for opening the Mia Milia crossing point, Christodoulides proposed alternatives at Piroi or Kokkina. Additionally, discussions included proposals for a Truth Commission and a technical committee on youth issues, which Tatar opposed until a resolution is reached.

Guterres initiated the dinner by encouraging an open discussion with i
nnovative ideas and recognized Holguin’s efforts, despite the lack of progress in resuming talks. He also emphasized the importance of confidence-building measures to enhance relations between the two communities and improve citizens’ lives.

Christodoulides acknowledged the UN Secretary General’s initiative and detailed the Greek Cypriot side’s political will and commitment to a solution, referencing various diplomatic engagements and support measures for Turkish Cypriot citizens. The ongoing discussions underscore the complex dynamics and the critical role of international mediation in resolving the Cyprus issue, which has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion.