Former Greek Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides described the informal meeting hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York as a significant “step forward” that could pave the way for further talks, including those involving the guarantor powers. The informal dinner, attended by President Ersin Tatar, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, marked the first progress in negotiations between the sides in seven years.

In an interview with the Cyprus Times, Kasoulides claimed that President Tatar’s previous conditions for engaging in talks were set aside during the informal dinner. He highlighted the agreement to discuss Confidence Building Measures (CBM), including the potential opening of additional barricades on the island, as a positive development. “At least there was some movement in the stagnation that has existed for 7 years,” Kasoulides stated.

He further suggested that the aim of these unofficial talks is to lead to direct negotiations, noting that while the talks are informal at the Turkish Cypriot leader's request, they still represent meaningful dialogue. Kasoulides also speculated that Turkey’s stance might be evolving, which could have influenced Tatar’s participation in the dinner.

Expressing optimism about the potential to break the current deadlock, Kasoulides emphasized that the existing situation does not offer any viable solution to the Cyprus problem.

Source: Kıbrıs Gazetesi