UN Special Representative for Cyprus, Colin Stewart, calls for “opening moves” by Nicosia toward the Turkish side, which would be an incentive for it to cooperate in a new process on the Cyprus problem.
In his contacts in Nicosia and New York, the Canadian official of the International Organization is developing a narrative according to which the Turkish side is “tactically pushing for a two-state solution” and that this is not its absolute position!
Arguing that this tactic is mainly because the Turkish side “is not convinced that the Greek Cypriots want agreement and coexistence,” Colin Stewart believes that the Greek Cypriot side must prove otherwise. In other words, Nicosia – based on his narrative – must convince the Turks that it means what it says about a Cyprus solution. And this, according to Mr. Stewart, can also be achieved through gifts, which should be given to the occupying side! In other words, he insists on the logic of appeasement. The UN spokesman in his meetings does not mention anything specific concerning what gifts could be given to the Turks, although he had previously made some references, for example, the issue of direct trade.
However, while the UN representative in Cyprus claims that the Turkish side has a plan B about the two-state solution, Ankara does not seem to be discussing anything other than this option.
It is clear from all the moves and positions put forward that Turkey is sticking to the two-state solution.
Briefing the Security Council on 17 January, Colin Stewart deliberately tried to keep a balance by aiming to cover up the Turkish behavior in the buffer zone. Referring to the buffer zone, he spoke of ‘problematic violations,’ implying that the Turkish violations were a “response” to what Nicosia was doing.
