Cyprus’ leaders have expressed readiness for UN-mediated talks, offering a glimmer of hope for reunification amidst ethnic divisions.
The leaders of ethnically divided Cyprus have expressed their willingness to participate in a United Nations-led gathering next month, which could potentially pave the way for a resumption of formal peace talks. The meeting, scheduled for March 17-18, aims to ‘bridge the gap’ between the Greek Cypriot president, Nikos Christodoulides, and the leader of the breakaway Turkish Cypriots, Ersin Tatar.
Located in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is an island country with a rich history dating back to ancient times.
The island has been inhabited by various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans.
With a population of approximately 1.2 million people, Cyprus is a bilingual nation, where both Greek and Turkish are official languages.
The capital city, Nicosia, is divided into two parts: the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north.
Cyprus has a diverse economy, with major sectors including tourism, finance, and agriculture.
A Long-Standing Dispute
Cyprus has been divided along ethnic lines for over five decades. In 1974, Turkey invaded the island in response to a Greek-backed coup, leading to the separation of the north from the south. The island’s internationally recognized government is seated in the south, while Turkish Cypriots control the northern third.
Previous Peace Talks
Numerous rounds of peace talks have been held under UN sponsorship, but none have resulted in a successful agreement. The most recent attempt ended in 2017, with Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots opting out of reunifying Cyprus as a federation composed of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot zones.
A Two-State Solution?
The Turkish Cypriots are now insisting on a two-state deal, which would grant them ‘sovereign equality and equal international status’ alongside the majority Greek Cypriots. However, this proposal is met with resistance from the Greek Cypriots, who reject any peace deal that formalizes the island’s partition.
A Roadblock to Peace
The ongoing disagreement on additional crossing points across a 180-kilometer (120-mile) UN-controlled buffer zone remains a significant obstacle to reaching an agreement. The current eight open crossing points are not sufficient for both sides, and this issue has been a sticking point in previous negotiations.
Women’s Role in Peace Efforts
In addition to the meeting between Christodoulides and Tatar, UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo also met with leading women from both communities to discuss ways to boost their engagement in peace efforts. The role of women in promoting peace and reconciliation is seen as crucial in resolving the long-standing dispute.
A New Beginning?
The upcoming meeting next month offers a glimmer of hope for a renewed effort towards reunifying Cyprus. However, the chasm between the two sides remains wide, and it is uncertain whether this meeting will successfully bridge the gap.
