CTP Backs Guterres' New Initiative and Roadmap

In a statement, the party called on all sides and the guarantor powers to seize what it described as a historic opportunity and contribute constructively to creating the conditions for a successful and results-oriented expanded 5+1 meeting.

Commenting on Guterres' recent contacts in Cyprus, CTP said an important window of opportunity had opened for progress on the Cyprus issue.

The party described the emergence of a clearer roadmap as a significant opportunity, adding that Guterres' remarks following his meetings demonstrated the continued commitment of the international community, the parties involved and the United Nations to advancing the Cyprus peace process.

CTP welcomed Guterres' decision to convene a new expanded 5+1 meeting once the necessary preparations have been completed.

"It is particularly important that such a meeting should not be held merely to create the impression that the process is continuing, but to produce concrete results that will pave the way for a settlement," the party said, adding that the proposed roadmap should be agreed upon by all parties.

Results-Oriented Process and Confidence-Building Measures

The party stressed that comprehensive preparations should be carried out before the next 5+1 meeting, including progress on confidence-building measures (CBMs), negotiation methodology and substantive issues, while preserving previous convergences as the foundation for future negotiations.

CTP said it welcomed the fact that the Presidency's long-standing emphasis on a results-oriented process, methodology and confidence-building measures had been acknowledged positively by the UN Secretary-General and the parties involved.

The statement also highlighted Guterres' warning about rising geopolitical tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the risk that the continued absence of a settlement could leave Cyprus more vulnerable to regional instability.

According to CTP, future decisions concerning defence, security, trade, energy and foreign policy should avoid creating new tensions or undermining the prospects for a settlement, and should instead promote lasting regional cooperation and stability.

Positive Steps Needed

CTP described confidence-building measures as essential for rebuilding trust between the two communities, improving daily life through practical cooperation and strengthening the viability of a comprehensive settlement.

The party also welcomed Guterres' call to intensify work on confidence-building measures in Nicosia.

The statement further argued that issues such as property disputes and the rights of children from mixed marriages should be addressed without allowing legal processes to become instruments of political objectives or individuals to be targeted across the divide.

"Positive steps in these areas would contribute to the process," the statement said.

CTP concluded that what is needed is a gradual return to a results-oriented negotiation process based on UN parameters, political equality, security, previous convergences and the goal of a federal settlement.

"It is inevitable that all parties demonstrate the political courage, determination and will necessary to produce concrete results," the statement added.