No New Crossing Points After Cyprus Leaders' Meeting

Talks stall as leaders clash over new crossing locations
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Jan 20, 2025 9:27 PM CST
No New Crossing Points After Cyprus Leaders' Meeting
United Nations Chief of Mission in Cyprus Colin Stewart, right, smiles as Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides waves to the media when he arrived for a meeting with the leader of the breakaway Turkish Cypriots Ersin Tatar at the U.N. official's residence inside a U.N.-controlled buffer zone cutting...   (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)

The latest talks between Nicos Christodoulides, Cyprus' Greek Cypriot president, and Ersin Tatar, leader of the breakaway Turkish Cypriots, ended without progress. Held under the auspices of the UN in Nicosia, discussions aimed to enhance trust by opening new crossing points along a buffer zone. Although both leaders released a joint statement underscoring the importance of such initiatives for boosting economic ties and facilitating communication, no specific agreement was reached.

The primary stumbling block was disagreement over the locations of the proposed crossing points along a 120-mile buffer zone that cuts through the island. After the meeting, Christodoulides highlighted that Tatar was "not ready" to endorse a comprehensive set of trust-building measures, including joint committees on youth and a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Currently, eight crossing points enable daily commutes, which many, especially Turkish Cypriots, rely on for work. Many on both sides want these expanded for smoother travel across the island's dividing line.

A deal on crossings could have rejuvenated stalled UN-led peace talks, which have been inactive for seven years. However, hopes for reunification remain bleak due to Turkey and Turkish Cypriots' push for a two-state solution, contrary to a UN-backed federation model. Greek Cypriots resist any proposal that might formalize division or permit a lasting Turkish military presence. Upcoming discussions in Switzerland with the island's guarantors—Greece, Turkey, and the UK—will seek to revive negotiations, but divisions over key issues persist. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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