The void left by the absence of talks on the Cyprus issue is being filled by the narratives of the two leaders, which are diametrically opposed.
President Christodoulides, seizing upon the visit of his Estonian counterpart, reiterated that his goal is the reunification of Cyprus and for Cypriots to have a common future together.
On the other hand, Ersin Tatar insisted that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots should live in two separate states.
The Cyprus issue was one of the topics on the agenda of talks between Nicos Christodoulides and Alar Karis.
The two presidents discussed bilateral relations, the situation in the region, and issues related to the European agenda. Cyprus and Estonia are celebrating 20 years as EU member states this year.
Karis expressed his joy at being in Cyprus during the period when both countries celebrate the 20th anniversary of their EU accession.
“This visit underscores the depth of our partnership with Cyprus and our desire to further cultivate our friendly relations,” he stated.
Referring to Cyprus, President Christodoulides noted that this year marks 50 years since the illegal Turkish invasion of Cyprus and the ongoing occupation of EU territory.
He said he assured his Estonian counterpart that his vision and sole purpose from the moment he took office as President of the Republic, “is the termination of the occupation, the reunification of Cyprus, so that all Cypriots can look forward to a brighter, common future together,” and emphasized the importance of the EU itself playing a more active role in these efforts.
After their talks, the two leaders had the opportunity to walk along the Green Line.
From the observation point of Nicosia municipality, the two presidents and their wives gazed at occupied Nicosia. “Well, it’s sad that there is a Green Line and we don’t have a (united) island where people can live peacefully,” said the President of Estonia at the conclusion of the visit, expressing hope “for that moment to come.”
In the occupied territories, Ersin Tatar, speaking to a delegation of journalists from Ankara (source Kipris/GTP), admitted that the policy he has been following in Cyprus for the past three years has the full support of Turkey.
He also reiterated that an agreement can only be reached “with the acknowledgement of sovereign equality and equal international status.”
According to the leader of the Turkish Cypriots, as long as Turkey is not an EU member, “the balances are against us,” and “a solution in Cyprus is now possible with the two-state solution.”
While insisting that “a federal-based solution on the island harbours many risks,” Tatar said that Turkey’s withdrawal from the island, the abolition of guarantees characterized as “outdated,” and the withdrawal of the occupying army from Cyprus, will bring an end to the “Turkish Cypriot people,” and therefore this will never be allowed.
He further claimed that a solution based on federation poses risks such as severing ties with Turkey and undermining Turkey’s security while simultaneously excluding it from the Eastern Mediterranean, emphasizing that “an agreement for Cyprus is possible only through the cooperation of two sovereign states after the accession of the Greek Cypriot side to the EU.”
However, Ersin Tatar’s approaches provoke reactions within the Turkish Cypriot community.
Asım Akansoy of the CTP party accused Ersin Tatar (source Kipris/GTP) of “putting the cart before the horse,” noting that this approach cannot be accepted.
The reason for Akansoy’s statement is information that Tatar sets conditions for the resumption of talks such as lifting the so-called “embargo” and opening the illegal Tymbou airport for international flights.
Meanwhile, the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties that met within the framework of bicommunal dialogue at Ledra Palace agreed that the window of opportunity for resuming negotiations for the Cyprus solution must be utilized constructively.
In a Joint Statement issued after their meeting, under the auspices of the Embassy of Slovakia, it is stated that the participants expressed views on the issue proposed by the hosting party United Democrats with the subject: “Time is of the essence: Two generations of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots have spent their lives in anticipation and disappointment. Let’s provide the perspective of peace, cooperation, development, and prosperity to the younger generations of Cypriots before it’s too late. Let’s make geography work to our advantage.”
