Nicosia: The negotiators representing the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities in Cyprus are set to meet again early next week, as learned by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA). This meeting will see Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou and Gunes Onar, the Special Representative of the Turkish Cypriot leader, continue discussions aimed at addressing ongoing issues between the two communities.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a meeting between Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar is scheduled for May 5th. This follows their last meeting on April 2nd, where they agreed on several initiatives, including the establishment of a Technical Committee on Youth, discussions on demining, and initiatives related to environmental restoration and cemetery restoration. The aides of both leaders have also been assigned to continue discussions on crossing points and solar energy projects within the buffer zone.
The division of Cyprus dates back to 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of the northern third of the island. Despite various rounds of UN-led peace talks, a conclusive resolution has remained elusive, primarily due to Turkish intransigence. The most recent negotiations, which took place in July 2017 in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ended without agreement.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced plans for an informal meeting on Cyprus, which will be held in a broader format at the end of July. This follows a similar informal meeting that occurred in Geneva on March 17-18. Guterres also revealed his intention to appoint a new personal envoy to Cyprus to aid in preparing the next steps towards peace. The two communities have agreed to move forward with several initiatives, including the opening of crossing points and the creation of a Technical Committee on Youth, as well as other projects within the buffer zone and across the island.