Turkish Diplomatic Sources Signal Divergence Between Positions: Federal Model 'Not Even Mentioned' in Geneva

In a significant indication of shifting diplomatic sands surrounding the Cyprus issue, Turkish Foreign Ministry sources have stated that the long-standing federal model for reunification was "not even mentioned" during recent talks in Geneva, marking a potential departure from decades of negotiation frameworks. According to a report published by the Turkish news outlet T24, citing these diplomatic insiders, the Turkish side also contends that the deadlock persists partly because the Greek Cypriot side "cannot digest" the prospect of sharing the island's natural resources.

The statement underscores the growing divergence between the positions of the key parties involved in the Cyprus problem. For decades, UN-led efforts have focused on establishing a bizonal, bicommunal federation (BBF) to reunite the island, which has been divided since 1974. However, Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), recognized only by Ankara, have increasingly advocated for a two-state solution based on sovereign equality and equal international status.

The absence of any mention of the federal model during the Geneva discussions pertains to the informal '5+1' talks organized by the UN Secretary-General. These discussions involved the two Cypriot communities and the three guarantor powers: Turkey, Greece, and the UK. This suggests that Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot leadership are solidifying their position against the bi-zonal, bi-communal federation (BBF) framework. These informal talks aimed to gauge whether sufficient common ground existed to relaunch formal negotiations, which collapsed in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in 2017.

Furthermore, the Turkish diplomatic sources cited by T24 emphasized the contentious issue of hydrocarbon resources discovered in the Eastern Mediterranean. "The Greek Cypriot side cannot digest sharing resources," the sources were quoted as saying. This points to the ongoing dispute over maritime boundaries and the rights to explore and exploit natural gas reserves found in waters claimed by the Republic of Cyprus (the internationally recognized government) and Turkey, acting partly on behalf of the TRNC. This issue has significantly raised regional tensions, involving naval deployments and competing claims that draw in the European Union and other regional powers.

The Greek Cypriot side and Greece have consistently rejected the two-state solution, insisting that any settlement must be based on UN resolutions and the established BBF model, ensuring the continuity of the Republic of Cyprus as an EU member state across the island. They typically accuse Turkey of undermining negotiations by pushing for partition and maintaining a military presence in Northern Cyprus.

The comments attributed to the Turkish Foreign Ministry sources suggest a hardening of positions, making resuming meaningful, formal negotiations based on previously agreed parameters increasingly difficult.