Introduction
Greek and Turkish Cypriots have agreed to collaborate on removing landmines and addressing environmental issues, marking a step forward in their ongoing dialogue about the future of Cyprus.
Context
The announcement followed a meeting between Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, released by the United Nations mission in Cyprus. The two communities, separated by a longstanding division, will also establish a technical committee to tackle youth issues as part of confidence-building measures.
Developments
- Cyprus was divided by a Turkish invasion in 1974, which followed a brief coup inspired by Greece, amid a history of violence between the two communities since their independence from Britain in 1960.
- The island remains a point of contention between NATO allies Greece and Turkey.
- The leaders had a "constructive exchange" regarding an increase in civilian crossing points and plans for a solar farm in the U.N.-controlled buffer zone.
- Reunification talks broke down in 2017, and efforts for a renewed peace process had stalled until recent informal discussions in Geneva, where U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres indicated progress had been made.
Conclusion
Despite the new agreements, significant differences remain. Greek Cypriots favor a federal solution as outlined by U.N. resolutions, while Turkish Cypriots support a two-state solution, claiming that historical negotiations have shown the federal model to be unworkable.