Preparations for the next enlarged 5+1 conference on the Cyprus issue are now centred on documenting the convergences reached up to the Crans-Montana talks in 2017, with meetings between the two negotiators expected to begin in August, according to informed sources.
Following UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ recent visit to Cyprus, efforts are primarily focused on the substance of the Cyprus issue, aiming to formally record all agreements reached during previous negotiations without reopening issues that had already been settled.
Discussions on Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) will continue in parallel, although they are not considered the main priority at this stage.
Among the proposed CBMs, the opening of new crossing points remains the most significant, with the Mia Milia and Athienou–Pyroi–Aglantzia crossings viewed as the most likely to secure agreement.
According to the sources, the United Nations has submitted a compromise proposal for the route of the two crossings, suggesting that each route would run partly through the occupied areas and partly within the UN buffer zone.
The proposal has reportedly been accepted by the Greek Cypriot side but not by the Turkish Cypriot side.
Sources also said both sides broadly agree on the need to reaffirm previously achieved convergences rather than renegotiate them, with the United Nations expected to compile and circulate a comprehensive record of those agreements.
Issues expected to be covered include political equality, security, guarantees, troops, territory and property.
Officials believe that, provided there is political will on both sides, there are no insurmountable obstacles to agreeing on the methodology ahead of the next 5+1 conference.
No meeting has yet been scheduled between President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, while UN envoy María Ángela Holguín is expected to intensify preparatory contacts after the summer.
Source: CNA
