UN Chief says Cyprus peace talks are moving, just not fast enough
Important Highlights
- The peace negotiations in Cyprus saw significant advancements in collaboration and youth.
- Dispute over a new buffer zone road stalled plans to open 4 crossings.
- UN urges leaders to act quickly and build trust step-by-step.
Cyprus Peace Talks Bring Hope With Youth Agreement
This week, the leaders of the Greek and Turkish Cypriots met in New York for face-to-face discussions which is a rare event.
.This is a step in the right direction for the Cyprus peace process. Antonio Guterres, the general secretary of the United Nations, described the summit’s outcome as “good.”
This has exposed people on the island to a glimpse of optimism after years of political logjam.
Held at the UN headquarters, the talks marked the first real progress on Cyprus peace in a long time.
While both sides agreed on some encouraging steps like launching a joint youth committee major disagreements are still standing in the way of a full breakthrough.
Cyprus Peace Hits a Snag Over Buffer Zone Road Plan
But not everything went smoothly. One big issue is still holding things up:
the opening of four new crossing pointsbetween the island’s north and south.
The Greek Cypriot side suggested constructing a new road that would connect to a possible new crossing by passing through the UN buffer zone.
But Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar wasn’t having it. He called the proposal “unacceptable,” saying it complicates things too much.
“We haven’t been able to announce the opening of the gates,” Tatar told reporters.
“I’m really upset about this.” He offered a different plan, but it wasn’t accepted either.
So for now, those new crossings which many Cypriots on both sides were hoping for — are still off the table.
Little Victories That May Lead to Greater Actions
It wasn’t all conflict and tension, though. In order to foster trust between young people who have grown up on opposing sides of a divided island, both sides agreed to establish a youth committee.
Although the specifics were not yet made public, they also made headway in three additional areas of collaboration.
Meanwhile, there’s still hope for collaboration on other fronts too like solar energy projects in the buffer zone and removing landmines.
These ideas were first raised in Geneva back in March and are slowly gaining traction.
UN Wants Action, Not Just Talk, on Cyprus Peace
United Nations Secretary General Guterres urged the two leaders to maintain speed and quickly.
“It is imperative that these ideas be put into action as quickly as possible,” he stated.
“They’re not just political wins. They’re real benefits for the people of Cyprus.”
He thinks that one problem at a time, tiny, doable actions can contribute to the restoration of confidence.
“We’re gradually gaining confidence,” he stated. “That’s how we create real change.”
Why Cyprus Is Still Divided After All These Years
To understand what is happening now, you need a small reference. Since 1974, when a Turkish military intervention was inspired by Greece supported coup, Cyprus is divided.
The response was that only Türkiye recognized the Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The EU includes the south, which is governed by the Republic of Cyprus, which is recognized internationally.
The 2017 Crans Montana peace initiative failed to reach an agreement.
Since then, things have been mostly stuck until this year, when talks restarted and the Cyprus peace conversation picked up again.
Looking Ahead: Will September Bring Progress?
Despite the latest setback over the buffer zone, both leaders seem open to more dialogue.
They’ll meet again during the UN General Assembly in September, and there’s hope that more agreements could come out of that round especially on crossings and clean energy.
It’s significant enough that they are still conversing and sometimes even agreeing.
Even though it takes time, every small step matters after all these years of division.
Conclusion: Achieving Peace in Cyprus Needs Steadfastness and Patience.
In the end, these Cyprus peace talks didn’t solve everything but they did move the conversation forward.
With a youth committee in the works, potential for solar energy collaboration, and ongoing dialogue, the door is still open for progress.
Of course, big challenges remain. The issue of buffer zone, disbelief among leaders, and deep root political division will not be decided overnight.
But for the first time in the years, both sides are on the table, talking about things that can actually change life. And he is worth wearing in and of himself.
