Nicosia: Substantive preparation to ensure that the resumption of talks will be announced at the next expanded meeting on the Cyprus issue will be the focus of discussions in the coming period, based on a federal framework for a solution, Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou said in interviews with "Phileleftheros" and "Haravgi", published on Sunday. According to Cyprus News Agency, Menelaou emphasized the importance of substantive preparation ahead of the expanded meeting, which aims to decide on the resumption of talks towards a comprehensive settlement.
Regarding confidence-building measures, Menelaou highlighted the obstruction of progress by the other side, followed by 'invoking the lack of progress as an excuse for things not moving forward, including on substantive issues'. He mentioned that the recording of convergence had commenced and would be shared with all parties involved, including the two sides in Cyprus for internal aspects and with the guarantor powers and parties to the Treaties of Guarantee and Alliance for external aspects.
Menelaou also noted that the two sides were in contact, with a new meeting between the two leaders scheduled for 26 August. He emphasized that while meetings at the leadership level had become more frequent since last October, the focus must remain on substance, asserting, 'There must be political will if we are to achieve results.'
Furthermore, he acknowledged the positive impact of the UN Secretary-General's visit to Cyprus, stating that it laid the necessary groundwork centered on the federal framework, despite Turkey's continued advocacy for a 'two-state' solution. Menelaou expressed concern over Ankara's repetition of its position favoring a 'two-state' solution and the ambiguity of the Turkish Cypriot side's stance on the federal framework.
Regarding confidence-building measures, Menelaou criticized the Turkish Cypriot side's obstruction and additional demands during negotiations on opening new crossing points, including the proposed Athienou-Pyroi-Aglandjia crossing. He noted the Greek Cypriot side's willingness to compromise, but highlighted the Turkish Cypriot side's insistence on including other demands, which hindered progress.
In his interview with "Haravgi," Menelaou reiterated the federal framework as the basis for a solution and expressed hope that the expanded meeting would not encounter the same obstacles. He reiterated the Greek Cypriot side's commitment to preserving the acquis of the talks, the convergences, and the Guterres Framework, despite ongoing calls from Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot community for a 'two-state' solution.
Menelaou highlighted the need for clarity regarding the Turkish Cypriot side's position, noting the lack of public references to a federal solution by the new Turkish Cypriot leadership. He acknowledged Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhrman's shift towards political equality in line with UN resolutions, but stressed the importance of a federal framework as opposed to sovereign equality, which implies 'two states'.
The Cyprus issue remains unresolved since 1974, with previous UN-led peace talks failing to produce results due to Turkish intransigence. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has announced plans for another meeting in a broader format, with adequate preparation, to advance the Cyprus peace process.