Geneva Summit: Turks Stand Firm, No Common Ground Achieved

The recent article published by the Cyprus Mail titled "‘This will go down in history as the most pointless summit of all time’" presents a perspective that dismisses the significance of the Geneva summit on the Cyprus issue.

The piece quotes Turkish Cypriot lawyer Mine Atli, who described the meeting as "painful" and criticized the lack of agency displayed by the Turkish Cypriot delegation. This narrative, however, overlooks the broader context and the persistent challenges faced by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in its quest for international recognition and equality.

The Persistent Stalemate in Cyprus Negotiations

The Geneva summit was convened with the aim of breaking the longstanding deadlock in Cyprus reunification talks. Since the island's division in 1974, numerous attempts at reconciliation have faltered, primarily due to conflicting visions for the island's future. 

The Greek Cypriot administration continues to advocate for an outdated unfit for purpose bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, aligning with United Nations Security Council resolutions. Conversely, the Turkish Cypriot leadership, supported by Türkiye, has rightly shifted towards endorsing a two-state solution, reflecting the realities on the ground and the aspirations of the Turkish Cypriot populace.

This divergence was evident during the 1st round of Geneva talks. Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar emphasized the necessity of recognizing the sovereign equality of the TRNC, stating that any viable solution must be based on "two separate, sovereign, equal states." This stance stems from decades of unsuccessful negotiations under the federal framework, which have failed to address the concerns and rights of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Misplaced Criticisms and Overlooked Realities

The Cyprus Mail article's portrayal of the summit as futile neglects the substantive issues at play. The criticism directed at Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and President Tatar for their firm positions disregards the historical context of broken promises and unmet expectations that have characterized past negotiations. The insistence on a federal solution by the Greek Cypriot side has consistently marginalized Turkish Cypriot aspirations for equal status and security denied to them for decades.

Furthermore, the article's reliance on the perspective of a single lawyer does not encapsulate the diverse opinions within the Turkish Cypriot people. While some advocate for continued pursuit of a federal solution, a significant portion supports the two-state paradigm as a realistic pathway to safeguarding their political and cultural identity. This sentiment is reinforced by Türkiye's unwavering support for the TRNC's sovereignty, as reiterated by Foreign Minister Fidan during the summit.

The Path Forward: Embracing a Two-State Solution

The repeated failures of federal-based negotiations necessitate a paradigm shift. A two-state solution acknowledges the distinct identities and governance structures that have existed on the island for nearly half a century. This approach not only respects the self-determination of the Turkish Cypriots but also paves the way for peaceful coexistence based on mutual recognition and cooperation.

The reality is that international stakeholders must now reassess their positions and engage with the TRNC on an equal footing. The perpetuation of isolationist policies against the Turkish Cypriots is neither just nor conducive to regional stability. Constructive dialogue that embraces the realities on the ground is essential for a sustainable resolution to the Cyprus issue.

TCE Conclusion

While the Geneva summit may not have yielded immediate breakthroughs, dismissing it as "pointless" by the Greeks is a disservice to the ongoing efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue. Recognizing the efforts of the stance of President Ersin Tatar, whom has tirelessly advocated for the legitimacy of the Turkish Cypriots and their quest for sovereignty and equality is a crucial step toward a just and lasting peace. The international community must now demonstrate the courage and vision to support a solution that reflects the aspirations of all Cypriots, including the rightful place of the TRNC in the global arena.

References:

• Cyprus Mail article: Statements by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar during the Geneva summit.

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