5+1 Cyprus talks to resume after four years

Photos: AA 

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At a UN-led unofficial Cyprus conference this week in Geneva, a common ground will be sought to negotiate a lasting solution to the decades-old conflict on the island.

The meeting will be held from April 27-29 with guarantor countries Turkey, Greece, and the UK.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will also participate in the meetings to determine a "common ground" on which the parties can negotiate in order to find a permanent solution to the Cyprus issue in the near future.

Meetings under the same 5+1 format were held in November 2016 and July 2017 but a result was not achieved. Both sides had accused each other after the talks.

The de facto situation in Cyprus. Map: AA

Making a statement ahead of the talks, Southern Cyprus Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides said they are determined to continue negotiations to "reunite Cyprus under a bizonal, bicommunal federation."

Northern Cyprus Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu said, "We are going to say we seek an agreement based on the realities on the islands. We are going to emphasize that an agreement model will never be possible if these realities are ignored."

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The UK's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, also touched on his country's position regarding the unofficial conference during his visit to Cyprus in February.

Stating that the UN-led conference was an opportunity to benefit both communities and increase regional stability in Cyprus, Raab emphasized that they will play their role as a country in helping resolve the Cyprus issue.

The difference between Akıncı and Tatar

Mustafa Akıncı, the previous president of Northern Cyprus, supported and worked for the reunification while Ersin Tatar, his successor, favors a two-state solution in line with Turkey.

During his campaign ahead of the November 2020 election, he said, "There are two separate states in Cyprus, this is the essence. Since no one is strong enough to destroy this state, this state will never cease to exist."

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In the Republic of Cyprus founded in 1960, both communities had the right to be represented in every institution according to the 70 percent Greek - 30 percent Turkish principle.

Cyprus has been divided into two since Turkey's military intervention in 1974.

Northern Cyprus, named as the Turkish Republican of Northern Cyprus by the Turks, is only recognized by Turkey while the Republic of Cyprus (Southern Cyprus) is internationally recognized and an EU member country. (PT/VK)