A Cyprus talks document recording the convergences reached in negotiations has become a point of disagreement between the two sides, according to sources who spoke to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
The Turkish side reportedly opposes the handover of a document setting out the convergences, while the Greek Cypriot side considers such a document could provide a basis for restarting negotiations. The issue was also raised during the latest briefing of the National Council.
Erhürman proposal and alternative approach
According to the sources, the proposal to record the convergences was initially raised by Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman.
The Turkish Cypriot side subsequently reportedly declined to receive the document, while the Turkish side also disagrees with its handover.
President Nikos Christodoulides has proposed an alternative approach: if a document recording the convergences cannot be delivered, the differences between the two sides could instead be documented.
According to the sources, this would allow the process to begin from the issues where the two sides remain apart.
Holguín had previously prepared a draft
The issue had also been discussed during the previous visit to Cyprus by UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín.
At the time, a two-page document was prepared containing the headings of the convergences, without detailed content. The intention was for it to be given to both sides.
The Greek Cypriot side reportedly had no objection to receiving the document. However, when Holguín travelled to the north, the Turkish Cypriot side reportedly said it did not want the document, and it was ultimately not handed over.
Christodoulides had said earlier this month that the Greek Cypriot side viewed a document recording the convergences as a basis for resuming talks.
P5 contacts and UN mandate
According to the sources, particular emphasis during Wednesday’s National Council briefing was placed on Christodoulides’ contacts with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
The President reportedly said that a common position emerged from those contacts on the need to resolve the Cyprus problem on the basis of the agreed parameters.
The briefing also reportedly addressed the role of a future UN Secretary-General. According to the same sources, the position conveyed was that any new Secretary-General would continue to act on the basis of the mandate provided by the Security Council and could not depart from it.
Disagreement over mine clearance
Mine clearance was another issue discussed during the briefing.
According to the sources, the main disagreement concerns the areas where mine clearance should take place. The UN has identified areas both in the north and in the government-controlled areas.
The Greek Cypriot side has reportedly indicated that it is ready to proceed immediately with mine clearance in those areas.
The Turkish Cypriot side, however, reportedly wants the process to be limited to one area where it has tanks.
Greek Cypriot assessment of Turkey’s position
The sources also said that, according to the briefing, the Greek Cypriot side assesses that Turkey is seeking to prolong the process until the end of the UN Secretary-General’s term.
The issue of a meeting with the UN Secretary-General was also raised.
According to the sources, President Christodoulides previously held meetings with former Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar in the presence of the UN Secretary-General over the past two years.
They said Erhürman did not accept a similar meeting with Christodoulides and the UN Secretary-General.
Holguín has separately confirmed that a trilateral meeting between the UN Secretary-General and the two Cyprus leaders was proposed in New York, but that Erhürman did not consider it at that stage.
Also read: Annita Demetriou says ‘fewer words’ more action on Cyprus talks
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