Cyprus’ ethnic split must be resolved to stabilize a tumultuous region, UN chief says
NICOSIA, Cyprus: Resolving Cyprus’ ethnic division is “absolutely crucial” for stabilizing a turbulent region where persistent conflicts have the potential to escalate, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday.
Guterres made a rare, two-day visit to Cyprus to underline his commitment to restarting deadlocked peace talks on a deal to end the 52-year-old rift in which a UN- controlled buffer zone separates breakaway Turkish Cypriots in the island’s northern third and Greek Cypriots in the south.
“I do believe that a solution in Cyprus is absolutely crucial, not only to preserve the interests and the peace of the Cyprus people, but also as a factor of stability in what is becoming a dangerously unstable region,” Guterres told a news conference after meeting with the island’s rival leaders.
Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkiye invaded in the wake of an Athens junta-backed coup whose supporters sought union with Greece. Turkish Cypriots declared independence nearly a decade later, but only Turkiye recognizes it and keeps more than 35,000 troops in the north. Although Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, only the south where the internationally recognized government is seated enjoys full benefits.
