Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots at Odds Over Border Openings Ahead of UN Talks

In the heart of the Mediterranean, Cyprus remains a divided island, split between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Greek Cypriot-controlled south. As United Nations-hosted talks approach on March 17-18, 2025, in Geneva, bringing together Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar, Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, and representatives from Türkiye, Greece, and the UK, the issue of opening new border crossings has once again surfaced.

While UN Secretary-General António Guterres remains committed to facilitating progress, it is UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, who is expected to oversee the discussions, reflecting the high stakes of the negotiations. While seemingly a minor logistical matter, the debate exposes deeper political tensions and the enduring struggle for equality and recognition for Turkish Cypriots.

The History Behind the Divide

The division of Cyprus traces back to the breakdown of constitutional order in 1963, when then-President Makarios unilaterally amended the constitution, stripping Turkish Cypriots of their guaranteed rights. This initiated the 'Akritas Plan,' a systematic campaign of violence against Turkish Cypriots, as documented in historical records and reports, including declassified British and UN sources. Thousands of Turkish Cypriots were forcibly removed into enclaves, enduring severe humanitarian conditions. These events are widely regarded by Turkish Cypriots as ethnic cleansing, though Greek Cypriot sources present differing narratives. The situation escalated in 1974 when Greece launched a full-scale invasion through a coup aimed at annexing Cyprus to Greece. In response, Türkiye exercised its legal right under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, intervening to protect Turkish Cypriots from extermination. Following the conflict, Turkish Cypriots established their own state in 1983, the TRNC, which remains internationally unrecognized due to Greek Cypriot diplomatic efforts.

Despite numerous peace talks over the decades, the international community continues to treat the Greek Cypriot administration as the sole representative of Cyprus. This biased stance has created significant barriers for Turkish Cypriots, isolating them politically and economically. One of the few areas of cooperation between the two communities has been the border crossings, first opened in 2003 to facilitate movement and limited trade. However, even these points of interaction have become entangled in political disputes.

Border Crossings: A Symbol of Division or Cooperation?

Currently, there are nine official border crossings along the UN-controlled buffer zone. These crossings are vital for thousands of Cypriots who traverse the divide daily for work, education, healthcare, and social interaction. Turkish Cypriot authorities have long advocated for additional crossing points, believing that increased connectivity can ease tensions and contribute to economic prosperity for both communities.

However, the Greek Cypriot side has been reluctant, often using border negotiations as leverage in broader political disputes. The TRNC has accused Greek Cypriot officials of blocking new crossings for purely political reasons, citing past instances where proposals were stalled or outright rejected. The Greek Cypriot administration, for its part, argues that the crossings must be carefully managed to maintain “security” and “integrity.”

The Current Dispute Over New Openings

As the UN prepares to host a new round of informal talks, the TRNC and Greek Cypriot leadership have presented conflicting positions on additional border openings. Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar has emphasized the necessity of more crossings to encourage mutual understanding and economic interdependence, while Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides has remained hesitant, proposing a border arrangement that would primarily benefit the Greek Cypriot side.

Reports from TRNC officials and local media indicate that the Greek Cypriot administration prefers a “south-to-south” model, which would connect Greek Cypriot-controlled regions without actually improving access to the TRNC. Turkish Cypriots argue that this approach undermines the intended purpose of border openings and fails to contribute to meaningful interaction. Turkish Cypriots see this as an attempt to undermine their sovereignty while maintaining the illusion of progress.

The UN, which maintains peacekeepers on the island, is attempting to mediate between the two sides. UN officials have stressed the importance of confidence-building measures, but Turkish Cypriot authorities argue that goodwill cannot be one-sided. “If the Greek Cypriot side is serious about peace, they must recognize that Turkish Cypriots are equals on this island,” stated a TRNC official.

A Political Stalemate With Broader Implications

This standoff is emblematic of a larger issue: the unwillingness of the Greek Cypriot administration to accept Turkish Cypriots as legitimate partners in governance. The Greek Cypriot side continues to wield international recognition to sideline the TRNC, a tactic that has led to decades of diplomatic impasse.

By obstructing border openings, the Greek Cypriot leadership sends a clear message: they are not interested in equitable cooperation but in maintaining dominance. Greek Cypriot officials, however, argue that border control measures are necessary to ensure security and stability, with one government spokesperson stating, 'Any new crossings must be carefully assessed to balance the needs of both communities while safeguarding our territorial integrity.' This attitude has been a key reason why previous reunification attempts, such as the 2004 Annan Plan, failed—despite Turkish Cypriot support, Greek Cypriots rejected it in a referendum.

TCE Conclusion

The upcoming UN talks provide an opportunity to break the deadlock, but only if the Greek Cypriot side is willing to negotiate in good faith. Border crossings are not just logistical matters; they are symbols of either continued division or potential cooperation. The TRNC has consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage, yet it remains sidelined by a biased international framework that favors Greek Cypriot interests.

The real solution lies not just in opening crossings, but in recognizing the TRNC as an equal entity. Only when Turkish Cypriots are afforded their rightful status will meaningful progress be possible. Until then, the island will remain a case study in how international politics often ignore the voices of smaller, marginalized communities.

References

- UN Cyprus Talks Official Announcement, March 2025
- TRNC Presidential Office Statements, 2024
- Daily Sabah, "Turkish, Greek Cypriots at Odds on Border Opening Ahead of UN Talks"
- Historical records on the Akritas Plan and 1963 constitutional crisis
- Treaty of Guarantee (1960), official documentation
- Annan Plan Referendum results and analysis, 2004