The Guterres-Erhürman meeting has reignited debate over the status of the two sides in Cyprus and the issue of political equality, according to Turkish Cypriot columnist Yusuf Kanlı.
In an article, Kanlı argues that the visit by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman’s office triggered discussion in the Greek Cypriot political scene over claims of a possible “upgrade of status”.
He argues that similar visits by senior international officials have taken place in the past without changing the international status of the Republic of Cyprus or leading to recognition of the Turkish Cypriot administration.
‘Guterres’ decision, not Erhürman’s invitation’
Kanlı focuses on what he describes as the background behind the visit.
According to the columnist, Guterres’ decision to travel to the occupied north and meet Erhürman at his office was not the result of a special invitation or initiative by the Turkish Cypriot side, but rather a choice made by the UN Secretary-General himself.
He writes that Guterres’ Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín informed both sides about the schedule.
Kanlı also describes an incident in which Holguín allegedly contacted Turkish Cypriot negotiator Mehmet Dana by phone while he was at a social gathering with Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou. According to the columnist, the two negotiators were informed of the UN chief’s programme at the same time through speakerphone.
Claims over reactions and political debate
Kanlı says the original programme included visits by Guterres to both leaders at their offices, a private dinner, a trilateral meeting the following day and a press conference.
He claims that after the schedule became known, strong reactions emerged on the Greek Cypriot side and the issue became part of domestic political debate.
The article refers specifically to Nikolas Papadopoulos and his political environment, alleging that political pressure was applied over the visit.
These claims are attributed to the columnist and are not independently verified in the article.
Kanlı says the visit ultimately took place as originally planned despite the controversy.
Previous visits by Ban Ki-moon and Biden
The columnist notes that Guterres’ visit was not the first time a senior international figure met with a Turkish Cypriot leader in the occupied north.
He refers to former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s meeting with Mehmet Ali Talat in 2010 and then-US Vice President Joe Biden’s meeting with Derviş Eroğlu in 2014.
According to Kanlı, neither meeting resulted in recognition of the Turkish Cypriot administration or a change in the international position of the Republic of Cyprus.
‘Procedural equality, not recognition’
At the centre of Kanlı’s article is the argument that the Guterres-Erhürman meeting does not represent recognition or an “upgrade of status”, but rather what he describes as “procedural equality” between the two UN interlocutors.
He distinguishes this from sovereign equality and international recognition, arguing that equal diplomatic treatment during negotiations does not amount to recognition of the Turkish Cypriot administration.
Kanlı also argues that the main problem in the Cyprus issue is an “imbalance”, claiming that while the two sides are treated as politically equal negotiating partners at the table, outside the negotiations the Turkish Cypriot side is treated as a community rather than an equal political partner.
Conditions for a new Cyprus process
Kanlı links the debate to the conditions reportedly set by Erhürman for a possible resumption of talks, including political equality, effective participation, a time limit on the process, preservation of previous convergences and avoiding a return to the previous status quo if another attempt fails.
He concludes that the real test for Guterres’ efforts will be whether both sides are prepared to build a common state based on political equality or whether the island’s division has effectively become permanent.
According to the columnist, “the wall of status” remains the main obstacle, arguing that without balance there can be no trust, and without trust there can be no common future in Cyprus.
Also read: Turkish press calls Guterres visit historic, but sees no new solution plan
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