Informal Cyprus talks begin in New York amid differing stances

Parties to the Cyprus issue have gathered in New York for an informal five-party meeting.

Representatives from Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, Northern Cyprus, and the UN attended a dinner on Wednesday, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also present.

The main session began today with a broader informal meeting and a working lunch.

A notable absentee from the meeting was the EU’s Special Envoy for Cyprus, Johannes Hahn. Hahn’s exclusion from the meeting underscores Türkiye’s position that the EU has no role in the matter, despite the EU’s obligation to ensure any agreement complies with European law.

Türkiye insists on a two-state solution outside the long-standing framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation. This approach is firmly rejected by Greece and Cyprus.

London’s stance, while flexible, officially appears contingent on a consensus between both communities and the guarantor powers.

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis is scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Europe, Stephen Doughty.

A bilateral meeting with Fidan has not yet been scheduled, but it could occur due to the overlapping schedules of the participants.

The talks are expected to focus on potential confidence-building measures (CBMs).

These include the opening of four new crossing points, the establishment of Youth and Climate Change committees, the installation of solar panels in the buffer zone, and the restoration of cemeteries.