FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Former Greek Cypriot negotiator Andreas Mavroyannis described the recent extended informal Cyprus talks in Geneva as “good and encouraging,” emphasizing the absence of deadlock and the creation of momentum for progress.
Mavroyannis expressed hope for a new conference in July to establish common ground for substantive negotiations. In a newspaper interview, he noted that while the Turkish side may not change its current positions, it would be beneficial if these were not preconditions for talks within the agreed framework.
The next conference aims to announce an agreement for structured negotiations, beginning with discussions between the two leaders and potentially leading to a conference similar to the one held in Crans Montana.
Mavroyannis also highlighted the role of Maria Angela Holguin, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Representative, in facilitating progress. Holguin reportedly suggested dividing the Guterres framework into smaller groups for negotiation, though Mavroyannis stressed the importance of interconnected discussions, as seen in Crans Montana.
He welcomed trust-building initiatives like the proposed new crossing points but emphasized they do not replace the pursuit of a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.
“Measures to improve people’s lives and the environment are good,” Mavroyannis said, but added that they fall short of representing the inter-state cooperation suggested by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar.
Mavroyannis also noted that reaching an agreement to open four crossing points is not equivalent to the gates being operational yet. However, he acknowledged Türkiye’s acceptance of including all four crossing points in a package as a slight shift from its previous rigid stance on the issue.