By This post is also available in: ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ (GREEK) TÜRKÇE (TURKISH)
By Yiannos Afrodisis
The results of the informal Geneva Summit (17-18 March), as announced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, are a positive development. A series of new actions were agreed upon, the implementation of which requires cooperation between the two communities, both at leadership and citizen levels.
Any new measure that facilitates contact and communication between the people of Cyprus is welcome, and every creative joint initiative should be viewed positively, especially by those who share the vision of a united common homeland.
In the past days, we have heard from friends who have supported efforts for decades to achieve a viable and functional solution to the Cyprus Problem, expressing concerns about the confidence-building measures that were announced. Many wonder whether these will be implemented by July, when the next summit will take place. Others believe the summit should have produced even stronger results regarding efforts to restart negotiations. But was this feasible during this particular period?
Our desire for a solution is strong, but we need to be realistic at each phase of the Cyprus issue, remain aware of the actual political conditions, and set achievable goals. To move towards a new negotiation process where substantive aspects will be discussed, trust between the people of the two communities must first be strengthened. The measures announced contribute toward this direction.
Certainly, these measures, like previous ones that were implemented, do not substitute for a solution, nor do we consider them as tools for maintaining the current situation. However, combined with the appointment of a special envoy by the UN Secretary-General and the intention for a new summit in July, they represent a good start that we should not underestimate.
Geneva has left open a window of hope and the prospect for a new process of talks, perhaps under better conditions.
