Old dispute, new meetings: What is the Cypriot conflict about? – The world

It is discussed again, but none of the opposing camps are expecting a solution. Thus, the current situation in Cypriot conflict could be described.

Representatives of both sides have quite different views on a possible solution. The UN Secretary General Antonio Gutheresh tried to find a common basis for re-initiation of official peace talks in informal talks in the Palace of Pages in Geneva.

What is essential for?

As often the case in conflict, and in Cyprus causes go deep into the past. For decades, among the largest ethnic group, Cypriot Greeks, there was a request to unite the island with Greece. Many Turkish Cypriots, who have settled in Cyprus during the Eviling Island, was therefore skeptical.

In the middle of the 20th century, the security situation on the island deteriorated. After negotiations between Cypriots, the then colonial force of Great Britain, as well as Turkey and Greece, Cyprus was 1960. became independent, and three mentioned states received the status of warranty forces.

The United Kingdom still maintains two military bases that are formally British oversight territories. Massakri among ethnic groups 1963. They entered history called « Bloody Christmas ». After that, the United Nations sent to that island of peace force. They are present there until today.

Radical Cypriot Greeks were performed in 1974. the Government case to force the island of the then military dictatorship in Greece for violently. Turkey, for the protection of Turkish Cypriots, sent the army and took the northern part of the island. Although the Cyprus Cyprus is soon annulled, Turkey has kept control over the north islands. Essentially, the area covers the so-called Turkish Republika Northern Cyprus, which in 1983. unilaterally declared independent, but, except Turkey, the international community does not recognize itself as a state.

The main goal of the Republic of Cyprus is reunification of the island, while political representatives of Turkish Cypriots are committed to a solution with two separate countries.

Since May 2004, the Republic of Cyprus is a member of the European Union. According to international law, membership includes the entire island – however, even after more than 20 years, the European laws do not conduct in the north.

What peace solutions have failed so far and why?

The United Nations stationed peacekeeping forces in Cyprus more than 60 years ago. Not only due to high costs, but also for political reasons, the UN has been actively engaged as intermediaries in that conflict for decades to end.

Immediately before joining the southern part of Cyprus, the European Union in 2004, it seemed to be a solution at the fingertips. The UN Secretary-General of the UN Kofi Anan proposed a Federation in which both parts of the island would retain a wide autonomy, while in international relations would be a common government. In the referendum, the north voted for the plan, but in the southern part of Cyprus, the voices prevailed.

Since then, negotiations have been driven in different formats and under different circumstances. The new UN Secretary General Antonio Guthereš is 2017. He had to publish the failure of negotiations in Switzerland. The key disputed issue was a request for withdrawing around 35,000 Turkish soldiers, who were still stationed in the north. Turkey and Greece, as well as both Cypriot delegations, were accused of the failure of official negotiations.

What was the starting point for current conversations?

Antonio Gutereš was another 2021. organized a meeting in Geneva to examine any common basis for official negotiations. Then that was not the case.

This is the second attempt. In addition to Cyprus President Nikos Christodulidis and representatives of Cypriot Turks Ersina Tatar, for the negotiating table sitting and warranty forces – Greece, Turkey and Great Britain.

« An informal meeting will provide an opportunity for a significant discussion on the further road, » the AFP news agency was cited by the UN spokesman before the meeting.

As a goal, Hristodulidis cited the re-initiation of official negotiations, while Tatar pledged to deepen intra-friendly cooperation – with the highlighting of Turkish Cypriot.

After the « constructive » joint session, Gutereš, as expected, could not publish a big breakthrough. However, at least it was agreed that the next round of conversation was held at the end of July.