Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders convened in New York for informal discussions facilitated by United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday, October 15. The leaders agreed to reconvene soon to explore “the way forward” in the stalled reunification talks.
Cyprus has been divided since a Turkish invasion decades ago, which followed a brief coup inspired by Greece, amidst years of intermittent violence between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Reunification negotiations broke down in mid-2017 and have remained deadlocked since.
Secretary-General @antonioguterres hosted an informal dinner today with the leader of the Greek Cypriot community, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Mr. Ersin Tatar. More: https://t.co/LRsWQXBTJP
— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) October 16, 2024
During a dinner, Guterres urged Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar “to consider how to bridge the gap in their positions and rebuild trust to allow movement leading to a settlement,” according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
Dujarric added, “The leaders agreed to have an informal meeting in a broader format in the near future, under the auspices of the Secretary-General, to discuss the way forward.” They also expressed intentions to meet in Cyprus to investigate the possibility of opening new crossings.
Last month, Christodoulides conveyed to the UN General Assembly his willingness to immediately resume reunification talks.
The Turkish Cypriot breakaway state in northern Cyprus, recognised only by Turkey, seeks a two-state agreement that acknowledges its sovereignty, while Greek Cypriots advocate for a reunification that would establish a federal structure.
