In a recent statement, the head of the United Nations Security Council, Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia, revealed that the UN Secretary-General's personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, found no common ground for a Cyprus solution.

This conclusion follows her extensive discussions with both sides on the island. Nebenzia remarked that the last significant opportunity for resolution was missed in 2017 at Crans-Montana. He also noted the hardening positions of both parties and emphasized that the extension of Holguin’s mandate lies with the Secretary-General.

TRNC's Response and Strategic Implications

The lack of common ground discovered by Holguin underscores the deep-seated divisions between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. This stalemate continues to impede progress toward a comprehensive settlement. Ambassador Nebenzia pointed out, “The personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General, former Colombian Foreign Minister Holguin, spoke with both sides, only to find that the parties are far from a compromise solution that might be found”.

Stalled Negotiations and Missed Opportunities

The UN Security Council President highlighted the 2017 Crans-Montana talks as a significant missed opportunity. Since then, there has been no visible progress. Nebenzia remarked, “It is unfortunate, but the last opportunity we had was in 2017 in Crans-Montana, which unfortunately was lost and since then there has been no visible, tangible progress in the Cyprus negotiations”.

Turkish Cypriot Perspective

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) views this development as an affirmation of the Greek Cypriot side’s unwillingness to engage in meaningful negotiations. TRNC President Ersin Tatar has consistently emphasized the need for a two-state solution based on sovereign equality. “The Greek Cypriot leadership’s refusal to recognize the legitimate rights of the Turkish Cypriots continues to obstruct progress,” Tatar stated. This stance aligns with Türkiye’s position on Cyprus, advocating for international recognition of the TRNC.

Diplomatic Efforts and International Support

President Tatar and Turkish officials have been proactive in seeking international support for the TRNC. The recognition of the TRNC by other countries is seen as a critical step towards a sustainable resolution. President Erdoğan reiterated this stance, stating, “The recognition of the TRNC as an independent state by the countries one after the other serves peace and tranquility in the Eastern Mediterranean”.

Moreover, Tatar has criticized the Greek Cypriot administration for its inflexibility and its reliance on the status quo, which benefits from international recognition and EU membership. He argues that this position is detrimental to finding a fair solution. “The Greek Cypriot administration was admitted to the European Union in 2004, the same year they thwarted a U.N. plan to end the longstanding dispute, but only the Greek Cypriot south enjoys its full benefits”.

Challenges Ahead

The ongoing lack of progress in Cyprus negotiations poses significant challenges for regional stability. The hardening positions of both sides make it difficult to envision a mutually acceptable solution in the near future. However, the TRNC remains committed to advocating for its rights and seeking international recognition. The Turkish Cypriot leadership emphasizes the importance of a solution that respects their sovereignty and equal status, as reiterated by President Tatar: “A fair, permanent, and sustainable agreement on Cyprus can only be achieved based on the equal international status between the two states”.

Civil Society's Role

Holguin’s report mentioned that civil society groups in Cyprus expressed a strong desire for progress and urged leaders to listen to the people's call for action. “Everybody wants to move forward,” Holguin said, emphasizing the need for leaders to heed the voices of civil society. However, the influence of these groups is limited, as they do not represent the broader political sentiment, which is often more resistant to change.

Historical Context and Current Dynamics

The Cyprus issue dates back to 1963 when the Turkish Cypriots were forced out of government positions, followed by ethnic cleansing attempts culminating in July 1974 when Türkiye, responding to a coup aimed at uniting Cyprus with Greece, (Enosis) intervened to protect Turkish Cypriots from persecution. This intervention led to the establishment of the TRNC in 1983, which remains unrecognized internationally except by Türkiye. The island has seen numerous failed attempts at reunification, with the most recent significant effort collapsing at the Crans-Montana talks in 2017.

TCE Conclusion

The recent findings by the UN envoy highlight the persistent challenges in resolving the Cyprus issue. Despite the efforts of the TRNC and Türkiye to seek a fair solution, the Greek Cypriot side’s intransigence remains a significant obstacle. The TRNC continues to advocate for a 2 state solution that acknowledges the rights and status of both communities on the island, aiming for a peaceful and just resolution.