Filenews 29 April 2021 - by Andreas Pibisis, Geneva
The impasse in the Un Secretary-General's attempt to find common ground to move the process forward on the Cyprus issue is mainly due to the attitude of the Turkish side and its demand for prior recognition of separate sovereignty.
The decision on a new informal five-way in 2-3 months is a lifeline for Turkey to overcome the scope of the next European Council to be held in June.
The statement by the Secretary-General of the United Nations that he will try to square the circle essentially sends the message that he is looking for the middle line between the position of the Greek Cypriot side for a solution of a bi-social bi-community federation and the demand of the Turks for recognition of separate sovereignty.
The Turkish side has rejected the appointment of a special representative because it considers it an upgrade of the process, which means that Ankara continues to keep the Cyprus issue in its own hands.
