Nicosia, Cyprus. Turkey’s foreign ministry called for an end to what it described as the Greek Cypriot side’s “intransigent stance” after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres concluded his visit to Cyprus on Wednesday.
It said a solution perspective would not materialise unless the stance changed and actions it said negatively affect regional security came to an end.
Turkey’s statement
Turkey’s foreign ministry said it welcomed Guterres’ efforts on the Cyprus issue since the beginning of his tenure.
It said that, as common ground between the two sides on the island does not yet exist, progress in key areas of cooperation under the process launched by Guterres in 2025 could help build trust.
The ministry said previously attempted solution models were now behind the parties. It reiterated that, as a guarantor state, Turkey considers that a fair, comprehensive and sustainable settlement should be based on the realities on the island and on the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people.
It also reaffirmed its support for the Turkish republic of northern Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot people.
Plans for enlarged meeting
Guterres said an enlarged meeting on the Cyprus problem would be convened after adequate progress had been made on confidence-building measures, the meeting’s methodology and the substance of talks.
He said there was consensus among the two sides and the island’s three guarantor powers — Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom — for such a meeting to take place.
The UN secretary-general said the United Nations did not want another enlarged meeting to end without result. He added that Cypriots wanted their leaders to make compromises and take the final steps towards a settlement, and sought a future defined by cooperation, opportunity and peace rather than division.