Cyprus (AP) Nicosia – The EU can help resolve ethnic divisions in Cyprus by highlighting the benefits that peace agreements will bring and all aspects of the relationship with the 27 members.
Cyprus' EU special envoy, Johannes Hahn, held his first meeting in his new capacity on Tuesday with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, which officials hope will build momentum for the stagnant negotiations led by UN-led.
Cyprus divided the race along the post-couple invasion aimed at unifying the island with Greece in 1974. Only Türkiye recognizes that the 1983 Turkish Cyprus Declaration was third in the north of the island, with Türkiye maintaining more than 35,000 soldiers.
Hahn said after discussions with Christodoulides that he would engage with all stakeholders, including Turkey, to help build confidence and support in Maria Angela Holguin, who is working for peace on behalf of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Asked about how the EU can help bridge the diametrically opposite positions held on the sides of Greece Cyprus and Turkey Cyprus, Hahn said: “All parties have special interests related to the EU, and that’s exactly what I’ve tried to find out in all meetings.”
Although Cyprus joined the EU in 2004, it is only possible to receive full member benefits in the southern part of Greece, where the internationally recognized government is seated.
Türkiye began EU membership talks in 2005, but they refused to recognize the Cyprus government as the island's sole legal authority. Türkiye remains keen on ending visa liberalization talks with the EU that began in 2013.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said that as long as clear progress in peace talks in Cyprus progress, Cyprus will support a closer EU bond.
The main obstacle to restarting peace talks is Türkiye and Türkiye Cyprus insisting on a deal recognizing two states on the island. This runs contrary to the peace blueprint recognized by the UN Security Council, which foresaw the union of the Greek and Turkish-speaking federal Cyprus.
Greece-Cyprus rejects any agreement to formally subdivision, fearing that Turkey will seek control of the entire island in light of its demand for permanent force presence and military intervention in Cyprus. Türkiye also insists that Türkiye's Cyprus minorities should have veto power over all federal government decisions.
