DiCarlo’s Visit to Cyprus: A Critical Moment for Turkish Cypriots

Nicosia, TRNC – February 6, 2025 – As the Cyprus issue remains unresolved, all eyes turn to the upcoming visit of United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, set for February 10.

Her presence on the island carries significant implications for the future of diplomatic engagements between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Greek Cypriot administration. With the TRNC consistently advocating for equal status in negotiations, DiCarlo’s visit presents an opportunity to reassess the realities on the ground and move beyond outdated approaches that have failed for over five decades.

A Visit of High Diplomatic Stakes

DiCarlo’s visit is expected to include high-level meetings with officials from both sides of the island, as well as representatives from the three guarantor countries—Türkiye, Greece, and the United Kingdom. The TRNC leadership, particularly President Ersin Tatar, has made it clear that any new negotiation process must acknowledge the existence of two sovereign entities on the island.

“We have experienced failed talks for over 56 years because they have been based on the false premise of a unitary state. If the United Nations and the international community truly seek a resolution, they must recognize the political equality and sovereign rights of the Turkish Cypriots,” President Tatar stated ahead of DiCarlo’s visit.

An Opportunity for New Initiatives

One key topic that could arise during DiCarlo’s meetings is the opening of new crossing points between the TRNC and the Greek-administered south. The Turkish Cypriot side has long called for expanded connectivity to facilitate economic and social interactions, but previous efforts have been stalled due to Greek Cypriot reluctance. TRNC Special Representative Güneş Onar and Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou are set to meet to discuss the matter, though expectations remain cautious given past roadblocks.

Another major expectation from the TRNC is a potential informal expanded meeting that would bring all stakeholders together in a fresh approach to resolving the Cyprus dispute. While previous UN-sponsored talks have failed, Turkish Cypriot officials argue that the stagnation results from an imbalanced framework favoring the Greek Cypriot side.

Breaking the Status Quo

The TRNC’s diplomatic push aligns with its broader strategy of achieving recognition as a sovereign state, challenging the international community’s continued marginalization of Turkish Cypriots. Despite being an equal founding partner in the 1960 Republic of Cyprus, Turkish Cypriots were violently expelled from the government in 1963. Since then, they have fought for their rights against Greek Cypriot attempts to monopolize the island’s representation on the world stage.

The upcoming visit also highlights the UN’s delicate position, as Turkish Cypriots have often criticized the organization for treating the issue as a mere intercommunal dispute rather than recognizing the political and historical realities of the island. With Türkiye’s unwavering support, the TRNC is expected to push for a recalibration of the UN’s approach, emphasizing a two-state solution as the only viable path forward.

TCE Conclusion

DiCarlo’s visit comes at a crucial moment when Turkish Cypriots are demanding fairness and recognition in all diplomatic processes. The TRNC remains committed to dialogue but insists that any future negotiations must be based on sovereign equality. Whether the UN acknowledges this reality remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Turkish Cypriots will not accept another cycle of fruitless talks that ignore their fundamental rights.

As the visit unfolds, the world will be watching. Will the UN continue to cling to failed formulas, or will it finally engage with the TRNC on equal terms? The answer may define the future trajectory of the Cyprus issue.

References

- "DiCarlo’s Visit Remains on the Agenda," Kıbrıs Postası, February 5, 2025.
- "UN’s DiCarlo to Meet Tatar on February 10," Kıbrıs Postası, January 16, 2025.