Plans for the United Nations to host talks between leaders from both sides of Cyprus next week became uncertain today, Monday, after one party announced it had not received an invitation. The UN is seeking common ground to resume long-stalled negotiations between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, in a conflict that has persisted for decades and remains a major source of tension between Greece and Turkey.
Nikos Christodoulides, the leader of the Greek Cypriots, stated late Saturday that he was "consulted" regarding talks to be hosted by the UN in New York on August 13 with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. Christodoulides said, "My response was positive, and I hope the Turkish side's response will be similar and that the meeting will yield results."
On the other side, Tatar stated he had not received an invitation and accused Christodoulides of trying to create confusion with his statements. He added, "The UN Secretary-General has not extended an invitation for a trilateral meeting. In any case, under the current circumstances, we will not agree to hold a trilateral meeting, and there is no basis for such a meeting."
Christodoulides remarked that any potential refusal from Tatar to meet would be an "offense" to the Turkish Cypriots. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following a Turkish invasion after a short-lived coup by Greece-backed elements. Peace talks between the two sides have been stalled since 2017.
