Cyprus Talks: Details of the negotiations framework issued by UN secretary-general revealed

The Cyprus Conference in in Crans-Montana, Switzerland aimed at reunifying the divided Mediterranean island has entered the eight day today since it began on Wednesday June 28. Following Tuesday's meeting between delegations from both sides, a number of media outlets in Cyprus reported some of the points made by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in the framework paper he tabled to both parties on Friday June 30.

Other reports emerging from the conference say both sides has been accusing the other of trying to operate outside of this framework.

According to a rough translation from public broadcaster Cybc, as reported by Cyprus Mail, the UNSG’s framework states as follows:

Security: 
“We must begin to recognise that in Cyprus we need a new security system and not a continuation of the existing one. I believe we must end the right to intervene and the treaty of guarantee. They need to be replaced by a new system in which all Cypriots would feel safe. We need a fast implementation mechanism, which includes external features such as the United Nations, and multilateral and international aspects. Today’s guarantors may not implement and supervise themselves.”

Troops: 
On the issue of troops, Guterres stated that there should be a rapid reduction from the first day, gradually decreasing within an agreed timetable to numbers that would be in line with the old Treaty of Alliance. The treaty says: “The Greek and Turkish contingents which are to participate in the Tripartite Headquarters shall comprise respectively 950 Greek officers, non-commissioned officers and men, and 650 Turkish officers, non-commissioned officers and men.”
Guterrres’ framework says there is disagreement between the parties as to whether there will be a termination (sunset) or review clause. He stressed that he believes that this issue and the issue of the timetable needs to be examined at the highest level (of prime ministers). Furthermore, he noted that further discussion was needed on the details of withdrawal.

Territory: 
Guterres’ document says the Turkish Cypriot side needs to adjust the map to address some concerns of the Greek side in relation to specific areas. No specific areas were named, but it is believed to concern the return of Morphou.

Property: 
On this issue, Guterres believes that in areas that will be returned to Greek Cypriot administration there must be agreed criteria so the rightful owner will have preferential treatment but not 100 per cent. In areas that would remain under Turkish Cypriot administration preferential treatment should be given to current users, but not 100 per cent.

Equal treatment: 
Turkish nationals should have a quota that is equitable and further discussion is needed on what ‘equitable’ means.

Power-sharing: 
The issue of power sharing, Guterres says, needs to be discussed further in connection with the request of one side. Other elements, such as the rotating presidency, are issues that need to be discussed as requested by the Turkish Cypriot side on a 2:1 ratio.

Culled from Cyprus Mail