There was little improvement in Cyprus talks in Geneva, other than four new crossings but the sides agreed to meet in July. (Photo: Knews)
The informal five-party Cyprus conference held on March 17-18, 2025, in Geneva once again highlighted the profound differences between the sides. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced that the process would continue, with a new informal conference scheduled for July. However, despite extended discussions, no common ground was found for launching comprehensive negotiations.
The conference’s most tangible result was the decision to open four new crossing points on the island. In addition, agreements were reached on establishing a Youth Committee, creating a Climate Change Committee, restoring cemeteries, and installing solar panels in the buffer zone. The UN is expected to appoint a special representative to facilitate the process, though no name has been announced yet.
No concessions from the Turks
Despite these developments, the Turkish side made it clear that it would not negotiate any model other than a two-state solution, directly opposing the UN-supported Bizonal, Bicommunal Federation (BBF) framework.
Underlining that there would be “no negotiation outside of a two-state solution” President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ersin Tatar, reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot side will not accept any settlement that does not recognize its sovereign equality and international status. He emphasized that the federation model has been tried and failed repeatedly, citing the 2004 Annan Plan referendum and the 2017 Crans-Montana negotiations as key examples of impracticality.
Turkish objections in Geneva
Tatar outlined the following key points:
- The Federation Model Is No Longer Viable: Decades of negotiations have demonstrated that a federal framework is not a realistic solution.
- No Talks Without Sovereign Equality: The TRNC will only engage in negotiations once its sovereign equality and international recognition are secured.
- UN’s Partial Approach: The UN’s insistence on federation disregards the will of the Turkish Cypriot people and creates an imbalance in negotiations.
- Türkiye’s Full Support: Ankara and the TRNC are aligned in pursuing a two-state solution and a new diplomatic strategy to secure international recognition.
Four new crossings to open
Although no comprehensive agreement was reached, the parties agreed to open four new crossing points; each side will spot two locations.
Crossing Points Selected by the Turkish Side:
- Mia Milia (Haspolat) Crossing: Located east of Nicosia, this new crossing will significantly ease daily commercial and civilian movement.
- Louroujina (Akıncılar) Crossing: Connecting the Turkish Cypriot village of Akıncılar to the Greek Cypriot town of Lympia, this crossing will facilitate Turkish Cypriots’ access to the South.
The selection of these points aims to improve daily life for Turkish Cypriots and contribute to the TRNC economy. Meanwhile, the Greek Cypriot side proposed transit crossings that would primarily serve its interests, were rejected by the Turkish side.
Confidence-building measures
Rather than launching comprehensive settlement talks, the parties focused on enhancing cooperation through confidence-building measures. The following agreements were reached:
- Opening of four new crossing points
- Establishment of a Youth Committee
- Creation of a Climate Change Committee
- Restoration of cemeteries
- Installation of solar panels in the buffer zone
- Appointment of a UN Special Representative (yet to be determined)
- A follow-up informal five-party conference in July
These steps aim to reduce mistrust and strengthen the basis for future negotiations. However, the Turkish side’s firm commitment to a two-state solution remains a significant obstacle to launching formal talks under the BBF framework.
UN: a gradual approach to cooperation
Recognizing that a comprehensive Cyprus settlement is not achievable in the short term, the UN focuses on a phased approach for gradual cooperation. By encouraging collaboration in areas such as energy, water, human trafficking prevention, and judicial cooperation, the UN hopes that such confidence-building efforts will eventually pave the way for a political settlement.
However, since the Turkish side continues to insist on a two-state solution, the success of this strategy remains uncertain.
Positions of Türkiye and Greece
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, and UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty also attended the conference.
- Türkiye supported initiating a new process centered on TRNC’s recognition.
- Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration reaffirmed their commitment to the federation model.
- The EU while not formally invited to the negotiations, participated as an observer.
Expectations from the July conference
A second informal conference is scheduled for July, with the following key topics:
- The impact of the newly opened crossing points will be assessed.
- The UN Special Representative’s report will be evaluated.
- Steps to be taken by Türkiye and Greece regarding the process will be monitored.
- The results of confidence-building measures between the parties will be analyzed.
However, since the Turkish side has ruled out negotiations outside the framework of a two-state solution, the likelihood of transitioning to formal political talks remains low.
Cooperation remains limited
The Geneva talks confirmed the Turkish Cypriot side’s unwavering stance on sovereign equality and the two-state solution, effectively blocking progress toward a federation-based negotiation process.
The Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides immediately rejected Turkish Cypriot President Tatar’s proposal to establish a joint commission on energy, water, and Eastern Mediterranean hydrocarbon resources. That demonstrated that any form of economic cooperation beyond confidence-building measures remains off the table.
This situation suggests that, for now, cooperation between the two sides will be limited to very specific areas, such as border crossings and environmental initiatives. While this does not represent a solution, even these limited steps are significant in establishing a framework for living side by side.
Geneva was not hopeless
Looking ahead, the TRNC will continue its diplomatic efforts to expand its international recognition, while Türkiye remains a strong supporter of this initiative. The upcoming July conference will test whether confidence-building measures can be extended and whether any further cooperation can be established.
Ultimately, the biggest takeaway from the Geneva talks is that the federation option is no longer viable for the Turkish Cypriot side. Instead, a model based on co-existence with limited collaboration in select areas is gradually taking shape.
