In Geneva, the informal 5+1 meeting on the Cyprus issue may not have led to substantial progress in a comprehensive settlement, but it resulted in a series of practical agreements: the opening of new crossing points, demining efforts, solar energy projects in the buffer zone, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing interaction between the two communities on the island.
The spokesperson for the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oncu Keçeli, provided information about the informal meeting, emphasising that the parties discussed areas where cooperation could be developed for the benefit of both peoples in the “current environment where there is no common ground” for a final settlement of the Cyprus issue.
“The leaders agreed to make progress on the opening of new crossing points, the demining of the island, environmental and climate change issues, the production of solar energy in the buffer zone, the restoration of cemeteries, and the establishment of a technical committee for youth,” stated Keçeli, underlining that the meeting marked an important step towards fostering good neighbourly relations between the “two states” on the island. It was also decided that a second informal meeting in a similar format would take place at the end of July.
Noting that the UN Secretary-General is expected to appoint a Personal Envoy on the issue, Mr Keçeli added, “In the coming period, we will continue our efforts to develop a culture of cooperation between the two sides on the island, in close coordination with the Turkish Cypriot side.”
Also read: What Christodoulides said after the end of the informal meeting
Source: Maria Zacharaki
