Discussions between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus have yielded limited progress on several practical issues, but disagreement persists regarding the European Union’s role in resolving the division of the island.
During a meeting on Wednesday, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar reportedly criticised the EU, viewing it as a primary obstacle to his push for a two-state solution, according to sources. This stance allegedly surfaced during discussions about a proposed solar energy park in the buffer zone.
Tatar reportedly argued for two separate power grid connections for the project – one for the Greek Cypriot electricity authority and another for the self-declared Turkish Cypriot authority – a move consistent with his two-state vision.
President Christodoulides countered that this approach aligned with the concept of two states and was unacceptable. He also pointed out that the EU, which is willing to fund the project, would not agree to Tatar’s demand. This reportedly prompted Tatar to criticise the EU for hindering efforts on the Cyprus issue.
Sources on the Greek Cypriot side indicated that the EU’s primary impediment is to Tatar’s attempts to steer discussions towards a two-state framework. Christodoulides reportedly reminded Tatar of the benefits the Turkish Cypriot community has received and continues to receive from the EU.
Following the meeting, Christodoulides stated that any confidence-building measure (CBM) that could be used to support arguments for an alternative solution to the Cyprus problem, such as two states, was unacceptable, echoing the EU’s position outlined in previous communications.
Upon his return to the Turkish Cypriot-controlled north, Tatar expressed his frustration regarding the solar park issue, stating that the Greek Cypriot side’s position essentially demanded the Turkish Cypriot people’s submission to their sovereignty and authority. He explained that the Greek Cypriot side wanted the energy produced to be supplied to “south Cyprus” and then to the Turkish Cypriot side through an interconnected system, reiterating his stance for two equal sides and separate structures, including separate energy provisions.
Despite the disagreements on core issues, Greek Cypriot sources described the overall atmosphere of the meeting as better compared to previous encounters between the two leaders.
Christodoulides reported progress on four specific matters: the establishment of a technical committee on youth (with each side to nominate 12 members by April 15th), environmental issues for discussion by a technical committee, the advancement of work on cemeteries and monuments by the relevant committee, and an agreement to discuss demining areas through negotiators.
Regarding the issue of crossing points, President Christodoulides stated that he used maps during the meeting to illustrate the implications of opening specific crossing points, highlighting the importance of opening the Pyroi-Athienou and Kokkina crossings. He added that he understood Tatar’s desire for the opening of Mia Milia.
Beyond the scheduled agenda, both leaders raised issues concerning their respective communities. Christodoulides addressed the situation in Pyla, stressing the need to implement existing agreements, and raised suggestions from Maronites regarding the Maronite villages in the Turkish Cypriot-controlled areas.
Tatar voiced his displeasure over events commemorating EOKA (National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters) and raised the issue of arrests by Republic of Cyprus authorities related to the expropriation of Greek Cypriot properties in the north, as well as the issue of Republic of Cyprus citizenship for children of mixed marriages.
Both sides await the official announcement from the United Nations regarding the appointment of a new UN envoy for Cyprus. The reappointment of María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar is expected within the week.
The two leaders agreed to meet again in two weeks, before the Orthodox Easter. This marks the first time Christodoulides and Tatar will hold a second meeting within such a short timeframe.
