Menelau: Guterres’ Approach Points to a Federal Solution Framework

In an interview with Kathimerini, Menelaou described Guterres’ recent visit to Cyprus as “important and positive,” saying it reaffirmed that efforts are continuing within the framework established by UN Security Council resolutions.

He said the preparatory process for a new enlarged meeting would continue on the basis of previous negotiating achievements, with the aim of reaching a decision to resume formal negotiations.

‘Convergences point to a federal solution’

Menelaou argued that the cornerstone of Guterres’ approach is his reference to the convergences achieved in previous rounds of talks.

“Because the Secretary-General referred to the convergences, it means that the framework under discussion is a federal solution,” Menelaou said.

He added that preserving the negotiating achievements and convergences reached across all chapters is essential so that future negotiations can focus on the remaining unresolved issues needed for a comprehensive settlement.

UN to record convergences and disagreements

Menelaou said the United Nations will compile a comprehensive record of both convergences and disagreements across all aspects of the Cyprus issue.

He explained that the document would be shared with the parties involved, allowing the two sides in Cyprus to comment on internal matters while the guarantor powers would provide views on external issues.

“The next step will be the resumption of negotiations,” he said.

Asked what would happen if the two sides disagreed over what constitutes a convergence, Menelaou replied that the objective is to record and reaffirm the convergences, while the remaining issues would be addressed during negotiations.

‘Reference to convergences is a reference to federation’

Asked why Guterres did not explicitly mention a bizonal, bicommunal federation in his public remarks, Menelaou insisted that the Secretary-General’s reference to convergences was, in itself, a clear indication that the process remains within the agreed federal framework.

“There is no doubt that the convergences concern a federal solution,” he said.

According to Menelaou, Guterres’ public reference to the convergences makes it “absolutely clear” that the process continues within the federal framework defined by UN Security Council resolutions.

‘Turkish Cypriot position cannot be separated from Turkey’s’

Menelaou also argued that the Turkish Cypriot side’s position cannot be viewed independently from that of Turkey.

“The Turkish Cypriot side’s position cannot be considered separate from the overall position of Turkey,” he said, adding that Ankara had continued to advocate a two-state solution following Guterres’ visit.

‘Preparations are intensifying’

Asked why Guterres had not yet convened a new enlarged meeting despite all parties agreeing in principle, Menelaou said thorough preparations were necessary before such a meeting could take place.

He noted that the preparatory work is already under way and will intensify in the coming period.

Menelaou also said there remains “ground to be covered” in clarifying Turkey’s intentions, arguing that obstacles persist because of Ankara’s public positions, but stressed that efforts to overcome those differences should continue.

‘Guterres’ approach is comprehensive’

Menelaou said Guterres’ approach encompasses all aspects of the Cyprus issue, including security and guarantees.

He also noted that the six-point framework presented by Guterres at Crans-Montana in 2017 forms part of the accumulated negotiating achievements alongside the convergences reached during previous talks.

Asked whether UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín had floated ideas such as a loose federation, NATO involvement in security arrangements or an evolutionary model for a settlement, Menelaou replied simply: “No.”