**Disy and CTP Support Guterres' Upcoming Visit to Cyprus**
Both the Democratic Rally (Disy) and the Turkish Cypriot political party, the CTP, expressed their support for the forthcoming visit of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Cyprus. The visit is seen as a pivotal opportunity to address the long-standing Cyprus problem, which has been a point of contention between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots for decades.
Disy leader Annita Demetriou emphasized the significance of Guterres' visit, calling it a “particularly important development” that should be approached with “seriousness, responsibility, and national understanding.” She highlighted the necessity of a unified commitment to achieving a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue. “The resumption of negotiations is the necessary step to get there,” she stated, reiterating her party's support for efforts that create conducive conditions for meaningful dialogue.
Demetriou articulated a vision for a resolution that would eliminate the presence of occupying troops and outdated guarantees, ensuring security and prosperity for all legal residents of the Republic of Cyprus. This perspective aligns with the broader goal of fostering a peaceful coexistence between the two communities on the island.
On the other side, CTP deputy leader Asim Akansoy noted that Guterres’ visit signifies that the Cyprus problem has regained prominence amid shifting regional and global dynamics. He remarked on the current historical period characterized by wars and geopolitical restructuring, asserting that the eastern Mediterranean has emerged as a critical area for energy, security, and trade routes. Akansoy posited that the Cyprus issue should be viewed not merely as a bilateral concern but as a strategic matter impacting regional stability.
He stressed the importance of the Turkish Cypriot community's political stance at this juncture, especially as the desire for a solution appears to be strengthening. Akansoy called for a mutually acceptable, lasting, and sustainable resolution based on United Nations Security Council resolutions and international law, while also ensuring political equality.
Despite the optimism from Disy and CTP, not all parties are welcoming Guterres' visit. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) 'foreign ministry' expressed skepticism, recalling that UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin previously indicated a lack of common ground for a solution between the two sides. The ministry asserted that the situation has changed since Holguin's comments, particularly following the election of pro-federal candidate Tufan Erhurman as the Turkish Cypriot leader and subsequent discussions with Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.
Nonetheless, the TRNC 'foreign ministry' rejected the notion that recent developments represent genuine initiatives towards a solution. It warned that reviving previously unsuccessful models would not aid in reaching an agreement but would instead perpetuate the status quo, which it claims benefits the Greek Cypriots. The ministry called on the UN to acknowledge the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, lift their isolation, and respect the existence of two sovereign states on the island.
Guterres is scheduled to arrive in Cyprus on the evening of July 27, where he will meet with both Christodoulides and Erhurman at their official residences. His itinerary includes a visit to the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) and a dinner with the two leaders on July 28. A trilateral meeting is planned for July 29, marking a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding the Cyprus issue.
As the visit approaches, both optimism and skepticism coexist, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of the Cyprus problem. The responses from Disy and CTP highlight a willingness to engage in dialogue, while the TRNC's stance underscores the challenges that remain in achieving a consensus that respects the aspirations of both communities on the island.