Menelaou: Turkey and Turkish Cypriot Side Tend to Block Efforts

Menelaou made the remarks while appearing on a television programme yesterday, where he discussed the Cyprus problem.

According to Fileleftheros, Menelaou criticised the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey during an appearance on Alpha TV, in addition to addressing the Cyprus problem.

Menelaou claimed that “Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side deliberately obstruct and slow down the process even on low-level political issues.”

He said that despite Ankara’s insistence on a “two-state solution,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had conveyed the message that “there is no other solution model on the table,” arguing that UN efforts to resume negotiations within the “agreed federal framework” were continuing.

Menelaou claimed that, unlike the Turkish side, the Greek Cypriot side had “accepted the simultaneous opening” of the Athienou (Kıracıköy)-Eylence-Mia Milia (Haspolat) crossing points proposed by the UN Secretary-General.

He said work by UN experts to record areas of convergence was “progressing” with the aim of preparing an expanded meeting that could pave the way for the resumption of Cyprus talks.

Menelaou said the strategic objective remained “the reunification of the country and safeguarding its independence through a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.”

He argued that efforts were being conducted solely within a framework based on a “federation” and claimed that the UN Secretary-General’s messages also indicated that “no solution model other than federation is possible.”

“Turkey and Turkish Cypriot Side Tend to Block the Entire Effort”

Menelaou claimed that “the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey have a tendency to slow down, hinder and block the entire effort.”

On the crossing points, Menelaou reiterated the UN Secretary-General’s proposal, claiming that the Greek Cypriot side had “accepted” the proposal in New York last July, while the Turkish Cypriot side continued to take a negative position towards it.

Menelaou said the proposal included a route extending from the Athienou area through Piroi (Gaziler) to Eylence, adding that efforts to open other crossing points were also continuing.

Preparations for 5+1 Meeting Underway

Speaking about the 5+1 meeting, Menelaou said preparations for an expanded 5+1 meeting were “progressing” despite the difficulties encountered.

He said a key element at this stage was for an expert appointed by the UN to record areas of convergence on substantive issues.

Menelaou said this preparation was “necessary” for the next meeting to take place.

Asked about the working conditions and whether the constitutional expert appointed for the Cyprus problem had a specific timetable, Menelaou said the expert had begun work but was not currently in Cyprus.

Menelaou claimed that efforts were continuing “in all their dimensions” in the hope of overcoming what he described as the Turkish Cypriot side’s “deterrent stance.”