Ankara is making it clear to its international counterparts that, regarding the Cyprus problem, it will not accept any arrangement that overturns what it describes as the existing “realities” on the island. At the same time, Turkey is signalling that it will prevent actions it considers detrimental to its “rights” in the Aegean and other regions.
The article argues that these positions reflect Turkey’s determination to preserve the situation established following its 1974 invasion of Cyprus, while intensifying efforts to upgrade the international standing of the breakaway entity in the occupied north.
According to this analysis, Ankara considers the Cyprus problem and Greek-Turkish relations part of a broader geopolitical strategy, treating both as central pillars of its regional ambitions.
The article maintains that Turkey views influence over Cyprus and Greece as essential to advancing its strategic objectives.
Within this framework, Ankara is reportedly operating on several fronts, seeking to obstruct initiatives it opposes while consolidating the existing situation in the occupied territories.
Several developments are presented as evidence of Turkey’s intentions.
1. Cyprus negotiations and Turkish conditions
Regarding the Cyprus problem, the article claims that Turkey has instructed Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman not to accept the formal presentation of a document prepared by the United Nations outlining previous negotiating convergences.
According to the report, Ankara fears that accepting these convergences would undermine its position in favour of a two-state solution.
Although Erhürman initially referred to the convergences, particularly regarding political equality, the article states that he has recently changed his position.
The Turkish side is reportedly blocking the presentation of the UN document.
Instructions are also alleged to have been issued regarding the opening of new crossing points.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ proposal to open two crossings, at Mia Milia and Athienou, has been under discussion for some time.
However, the report claims that the Turkish side continues to raise obstacles.
It also states that Ankara has rejected compromise proposals submitted by President Nikos Christodoulides concerning the opening of a crossing at Kokkina.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Cypriot side has proposed an additional crossing between Louroujina and Lympia, alongside the two proposed by the UN.
Although this idea has been discussed previously, the article argues that introducing it now goes beyond the Secretary-General’s compromise proposal and effectively undermines it.
Ankara continues to express willingness to engage in dialogue, including a possible five-party conference.
However, it maintains that negotiations must be based on sovereign equality and equal international status, conditions associated with its two-state solution policy.
2. Efforts to upgrade the status of the occupied north
The article identifies a second aspect of Turkey’s strategy: efforts to strengthen the international standing of the breakaway entity in northern Cyprus.
According to the report, Ankara is preparing the ground for future diplomatic developments, even though it recognises the considerable difficulties involved in securing international recognition.
As part of these efforts, Turkey has invited Tufan Erhürman to attend the United Nations COP31 Climate Summit, which it is hosting in November.
The article describes this invitation as a political manoeuvre intended to enhance the Turkish Cypriot administration’s international visibility.
Following diplomatic efforts and interventions, Turkey also invited President Nikos Christodoulides to the international gathering.
However, the report notes that Erhürman had reportedly received an invitation as early as July.
The article argues that inviting a representative of an internationally unrecognised entity to a UN conference raises questions about diplomatic protocol and political recognition.
It recalls a similar incident in 2016 involving former Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı.
At the time, President Nicos Anastasiades reportedly withdrew from the summit in protest.
According to the article, the difference is that the earlier development caught Nicosia by surprise.
3. Turkish research vessel deployed near Kyrenia
The third development concerns Turkey’s deployment of the research vessel Oruç Reis to waters off occupied Kyrenia.
The vessel was reportedly accompanied by a Turkish warship as part of preparations for a proposed bidirectional underwater natural gas pipeline connecting Turkey with northern Cyprus.
The article interprets the move as a potential attempt to counter the energy plans of the Republic of Cyprus and Greece.
It also suggests that the pipeline project, like the existing water transfer infrastructure, could contribute to greater integration between Turkey and the occupied territories.
According to this interpretation, such projects may form part of Ankara’s alternative strategy for the island, sometimes described as “Plan B”, involving the possible annexation of the occupied north.
4. Developments along the buffer zone
The fourth area of concern involves reported Turkish actions within the UN-controlled buffer zone.
According to the article, Turkish military positions have been advanced in certain areas, accompanied by the placement of Turkish flags.
The report claims that such incidents are becoming increasingly frequent and are intended to establish new facts on the ground.
Turkey and the European Union
Ankara continues to express an interest in improving relations with the European Union, although the article argues that it has not taken meaningful steps towards rapprochement.
Turkey is reportedly seeking to prevent its relations with the EU from being linked directly to progress on the Cyprus problem.
Nevertheless, Cyprus continues to feature prominently in discussions between Ankara and Brussels.
The European Commission is described as seeking opportunities for cooperation while continuing to raise the Cyprus issue.
However, the article maintains that Ankara has so far shown little willingness to cooperate on this matter.
EU envoy for the Cyprus problem Raffaele Fitto, who also serves as Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms, is planning a visit to Ankara.
Although dates have not yet been finalised, the visit is expected to take place soon.
A further development under considerati
Source: Phileleutheros
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