The UN Secretary-General is proposing a new three-table format for Cyprus negotiations in an effort to accommodate Turkish demands regarding British participation.
The proposal, as outlined by President Christodoulides to political leaders, would structure talks around three separate categories:
- A “Governance” table with two communities plus the UN (2+1 format)
- A “Guarantees” table including both communities, Greece, Turkey, the UK and the UN (5+1 format)
- A “Security” table with both communities, Greece, Turkey and the UN (4+1 format)
During discussions in New York, President Christodoulides reported that Turkish Cypriots had initially opposed being present.
The Greek Cypriot side supported British participation, whilst the Turkish Cypriot side opposed it.
Secretary-General Guterres expressed determination to continue the process, seeing it as sending a message for the entire region.
He referenced previous convergences and six points discussed during a dinner meeting, reportedly stating that the prospect of one Cyprus was more appealing than two.
The Greek Cypriot side appears ready to discuss governance based on “three singles” – single sovereignty, citizenship and international personality – whilst maintaining the Republic of Cyprus.
On security matters, President Christodoulides emphasised the importance of “review + sunset clause” provisions.
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar maintained general opposition across issues, reportedly indicating he could not make commitments regarding Turkish military presence.
The only topic he agreed to discuss was crossing points.
The discussions also revealed that Tatar had rejected the reappointment of Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar as the UN envoy, claiming she had promised him “three Ds” – direct trade, flights and international contacts.
Christodoulides expressed support for extending Holguin’s contract and announced readiness for additional confidence-building measures, including a youth committee, a “truth commission” for missing persons, and a civil society advisory body.
The president has since sent a second letter to Guterres in two weeks, reaffirming the Greek Cypriot side’s commitment to resuming negotiations from where they left off at Crans-Montana, whilst emphasising the need for maintaining previous convergences.
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