Independent: UN Preparing New Plan to Break 52-Year Cyprus Deadlock

In a report by Political Editor David Maddox, the newspaper claimed that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' Personal Envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, is developing a draft that moves away from the traditional federal model pursued in previous negotiations.

According to the report, the proposal is based on the principle of "constructive ambiguity," allowing the Greek Cypriot side to describe the framework as a federation while enabling the Turkish Cypriot side to view it as a confederation.

The newspaper also suggested that since President Tufan Erhürman took office, the Turkish Cypriot side has adopted a more flexible negotiating stance than in previous years.

Two Constituent States And Limited Central Government

The reported UN draft envisages two politically equal constituent states exercising most day-to-day governing powers, alongside a central authority with limited responsibilities for common affairs.

The proposed central structure would include a rotating presidential council, a joint council representing both communities, and shared ministries responsible for foreign affairs, defence, interior, finance and European affairs.

According to the report, the cabinet would also guarantee political equality by ensuring that at least one Turkish Cypriot minister holds a decisive vote, although the issue is expected to be among the most contentious during negotiations.

Territorial Adjustments And Security

The report further claimed that the proposal could involve the TRNC transferring certain areas, including Varosha, to the Greek Cypriot side in exchange for greater international recognition and autonomy.

On security, it suggested that the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee could be replaced by a NATO-based security arrangement, with the possible deployment of a limited multinational force on the island.

Direct Trade, Flights And Contacts

According to The Independent, the proposal foresees a two- to three-year transition period during which the return of Varosha could be accompanied by gradual steps towards direct trade, direct flights and direct international contacts for the Turkish Cypriot side.

The newspaper also claimed that potential cooperation on natural gas resources and any eventual Cyprus settlement could be linked to Turkey-EU relations, including progress on the modernisation of the EU-Turkey Customs Union.