Cyprus Makes Cautious Remark On Turkey, Negotiations Could Restart Next Week

Cyprus made a cautious remark on Thursday stating that recent progress in its relations with Turkey does not automatically imply an easing of tensions with Ankara. 

“We want a dialogue to start; it is our homeland that is under occupation, nevertheless, a dialogue that will be taking place in an atmosphere that will create real prospects for a positive conclusion” said Nikos Christodoulides, the Government Spokesman, after reminding that the Navtek for the Turkish seismic research will expire on April 6. 

Nicosia is critical of Turkish activities in the waters offshore Cyprus and has recently witnessed a series of U-turns that made the situation difficult to read. On Wednesday, Turkey and Greece summoned each other’s ambassador. On Monday, Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders sent conciliatory messages.  

The last message released by Cyprus on Thursday seems to indicate that there are increasingly convergent interests, but historically divergent positions.  

Against this backdrop, Espen Barth Eide, UN Secretary General' Special Adviser for Cyprus, should go to the Mediterranean island on April 6. He is expected to announced the resumption of the negotiations.