Editing Cyprus problem (section)

==EU accession and the settlement process, 1997–present==
{{Main|2004 enlargement of the European Union|Accession of Cyprus to the European Union|Cyprus in the European Union}}
[[File:Map of Cyprus, Greece and Turkey.svg|thumb|{{legend|#07ef00|Under the control of the [[Republic of Cyprus]]}}
{{legend|#f7991c|The [[Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus]]}}
{{legend|#ff0000|[[Turkey]]}}
{{legend|#007efc|[[Greece]]}}]]
[[File:European Union 15 Cyprus Locator (with internal borders).svg|thumb|200x200px|{{center|Accession of [[Cyprus]] to the [[European Union]] in 2004}}]]

In 1997 the basic parameters of the Cyprus Dispute changed. A decision by the [[European Union]] to open up accession negotiations with the Republic of Cyprus created a new catalyst for a settlement. Among those who supported the move, the argument was made that Turkey could not have a veto on Cypriot accession and that the negotiations would encourage all sides to be more moderate. However, opponents of the move argued that the decision would remove the incentive of the Greek Cypriots to reach a settlement. They would instead wait until they became a member and then use this strength to push for a settlement on their terms. In response to the decision, Rauf Denktaş announced that he would no longer accept federation as a basis for a settlement. In the future he would only be prepared to negotiate on the basis of a confederal solution. In December 1999 tensions between Turkey and the European Union eased somewhat after the EU decided to declare Turkey a candidate for EU membership, a decision taken at the Helsinki European Council. At the same time a new round of talks started in New York. These were short lived. By the following summer they had broken down. Tensions started to rise again as a showdown between Turkey and the European Union loomed over the island's accession.

Perhaps realising the gravity of the situation, and in a move that took observers by surprise, [[Rauf Denktaş]] wrote to [[Glafcos Clerides]] on 8 November 2001 to propose a face-to-face meeting. The offer was accepted. Following several informal meetings between the two men in November and December 2001 a new peace process started under UN auspices on 14 January 2002. At the outset the stated aim of the two leaders was to try to reach an agreement by the start of June that year. However, the talks soon became deadlocked. In an attempt to break the impasse, [[Kofi Annan]], the UN Secretary-General visited the island in May that year. Despite this no deal was reached. After a summer break Annan met with the two leaders again that autumn, first in Paris and then in New York. As a result of the continued failure to reach an agreement, the Security Council agreed that the Secretary-General should present the two sides with a blueprint settlement. This would form the basis of further negotiations. The original version of the UN peace plan was presented to the two sides by Annan on 11 November 2002. A little under a month later, and following modifications submitted by the two sides, it was revised (Annan II). It was hoped that this plan would be agreed by the two sides on the margins of the European Council, which was held in [[Copenhagen]] on 13 December. However, Rauf Denktaş, who was recuperating from major heart surgery, declined to attend. After Greece threatened to veto the entire enlargement process unless Cyprus was included in the first round of accession,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ams.hi.is/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Tocci-Cyprus-and-EU-Accession-2002.pdf|title=Page 6|access-date=21 September 2020|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104182036/https://ams.hi.is/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Tocci-Cyprus-and-EU-Accession-2002.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> the EU was forced to confirm that Cyprus would join the EU on 1 May 2004, along with [[Malta]] and eight other states from [[Central Europe|Central]] and Eastern Europe.

[[File:Border between nort and south cyprus Nicosia.JPG|thumb|The north–south checkpoint has been open since 2003.]]
[[File:Close to the buffer zone - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Street close to the Nicosia border]]
Although it had been expected that talks would be unable to continue, discussions resumed in early January 2003. Thereafter, a further revision (Annan III) took place in February 2003, when Annan made a second visit to the island. During his stay he also called on the two sides to meet with him again the following month in [[The Hague]], where he would expect their answer on whether they were prepared to put the plan to a referendum. While the Greek Cypriot side, which was now led by [[Tassos Papadopoulos]], agreed to do so, albeit reluctantly, [[Rauf Denktaş]] refused to allow a popular vote. The peace talks collapsed. A month later, on 16 April 2003, Cyprus formally signed the [[Treaty of Accession 2003|EU Treaty of Accession]] at a ceremony in [[Athens]].

Throughout the rest of the year there was no effort to restart talks. Instead, attention turned to the [[Elections in Northern Cyprus|Turkish Cypriot elections]], which were widely expected to see a victory by moderate pro-solution parties. In the end, the assembly was evenly split. A coalition administration was formed that brought together the pro-solution [[Republican Turkish Party|CTP]] and the [[Democratic Party (Northern Cyprus)|Democrat Party]], which had traditionally taken the line adopted by Rauf Denktaş. This opened the way for Turkey to press for new discussions. After a meeting between [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] and [[Kofi Annan]] in Switzerland, the leaders of the two sides were called to New York. There they agreed to start a new negotiation process based on two phases: phase one, which would just involve the Greek and Turkish Cypriots, being held on the island and phase two, which would also include Greece and Turkey, being held elsewhere. After a month of negotiations in Cyprus, the discussions duly moved to Burgenstock, Switzerland. The Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktaş rejected the plan outright and refused to attend these talks. Instead, his son [[Serdar Denktaş]] and [[Mehmet Ali Talat]] attended in his place. There a fourth version of the plan was presented. This was short-lived. After final adjustments, a fifth and final version of the Plan was presented to the two sides on 31 March 2004.

===The UN plan for settlement (Annan Plan)===
{{Main|Annan Plan for Cyprus}}
[[File:Proposed flag of the United Cyprus Republic.svg|thumb|left|upright=0.9|Proposed flag of the United Republic of Cyprus]]
[[File:Kofi Annan.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.9|Former UN secretary-general [[Kofi Annan]] was the creator of the [[Annan Plan for Cyprus|Annan plan]].]]
Under the final proposals, the Republic of Cyprus would become the United Cyprus Republic. It would be a loose federation composed of two component states. The northern [[Turkish Cypriot constituent state]] would encompass about 28.5% of the island, the southern [[Greek Cypriot constituent state]] would be made up of the remaining 71.5%. Each part would have had its own parliament. There would also be a [[Bicameralism|bicameral parliament]] on the federal level. In the [[Chamber of Deputies]], the Turkish Cypriots would have 25% of the seats. (While no accurate figures are currently available, the split between the two communities at independence in 1960 was approximately 80:20 in favour of the Greek Cypriots.) The [[Senate]] would consist of equal parts of members of each ethnic group. Executive power would be vested in a presidential council. The chairmanship of this council would rotate between the communities. Each community would also have the right to veto all legislation.

One of the most controversial elements of the plan concerned property. During Turkey's military intervention/invasion in 1974, many Greek Cypriots (who owned 70% of the land and property in the north) were forced to abandon their homes. (Thousands of Turkish Cypriots were also forced to abandon their homes in the South.) Since then, the question of restitution of their property has been a central demand of the Greek Cypriot side. However, the Turkish Cypriots argue that the complete return of all Greek Cypriot properties to their original owners would be incompatible with the functioning of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal settlement. To this extent, they have argued compensation should be offered. The Annan Plan attempted to bridge this divide. In certain areas, such as [[Morphou]] (Güzelyurt) and [[Famagusta]] (Gazimağusa), which would be returned to Greek Cypriot control, Greek Cypriot refugees would have received back all of their property according to a phased timetable. In other areas, such as [[Kyrenia]] (Girne) and the [[Karpass Peninsula]], which would remain under Turkish Cypriot control, they would be given back a proportion of their land (usually one third assuming that it had not been extensively developed) and would receive compensation for the rest. All land and property (that was not used for worship) belonging to businesses and institutions, including the Church, the largest property owner on the island, would have been expropriated. While many Greek Cypriots found these provisions unacceptable in themselves, many others resented the fact that the Plan envisaged all compensation claims by a particular community to be met by their own side. This was seen as unfair as Turkey would not be required to contribute any funds towards the compensation.

Apart from the property issue, there were many other parts of the plan that sparked controversy. For example, the agreement envisaged the gradual reduction in the number of Greek and [[Turkish Military Forces in Northern Cyprus|Turkish troops]] on the island. After six years, the number of soldiers from each country would be limited to 6,000. This would fall to 600 after 19 years. Thereafter, the aim would be to try to achieve full demilitarisation, a process that many hoped would be made possible by Turkish accession to the European Union. The agreement also kept in place the Treaty of Guarantee – an integral part of the 1960 constitution that gave Britain, Greece and Turkey a right to intervene militarily in the island's affairs. Many Greek Cypriots were concerned that the continuation of the right of intervention would give Turkey too large a say in the future of the island. However, most Turkish Cypriots felt that a continued Turkish military presence was necessary to ensure their security. Another element of the plan the Greek Cypriots objected to was that it allowed many Turkish citizens who had been brought to the island to remain. (The exact number of these Turkish 'settlers' is highly disputed. Some argue that the figure is as high as 150,000 or as low as 40,000. They are seen as settlers illegally brought to the island in contravention of international law. However, while many accepted Greek Cypriot concerns on this matter, there was a widespread feeling that it would be unrealistic – and legally and morally problematic – to forcibly remove every one of these settlers, especially as many of them had been born and raised on the island.)

===Referendums, 24 April 2004===
{{main|Cypriot Annan Plan referendums, 2004}}
Under the terms of the plan, the Annan plan would only come into force if accepted by the two communities in simultaneous [[2004 Cypriot Annan Plan referendums|referendums]]. These were set for 24 April 2004. In the weeks that followed there was intense campaigning in both communities. However, and in spite of opposition from Rauf Denktaş, who had boycotted the talks in [[Switzerland]], it soon became clear that the Turkish Cypriots would vote in favour of the agreement. Among Greek Cypriots opinion was heavily weighted against the plan. [[Tassos Papadopoulos]], the president of Cyprus, in a speech delivered on 7 April called on Greek Cypriots to reject the plan. His position was supported by the centrist Diko party and the socialists of EDEK as well as other smaller parties. His major coalition partner [[AKEL]], one of the largest parties on the island, chose to reject the plan bowing to the wishes of the majority of the party base. Support for the plan was voiced by [[Democratic Rally]] (DISY) leadership, the main right-wing party, despite opposition to the plan from the majority of party followers, and the [[United Democrats]], a small centre-left party led by [[George Vasiliou]], a former president. [[Glafcos Clerides]], now retired from politics, also supported the plan. Prominent members of DISY who did not support the Annan plan split from the party and openly campaigned against it. The Greek Cypriot Church also opposed the plan in line with the views of the majority of public opinion.

The United Kingdom (a Guarantor Power) and the United States came out in favour of the plan. Turkey signalled its support for the plan. The Greek Government decided to remain neutral. However, Russia was troubled by an attempt by Britain and the US to introduce a resolution in the UN [[Security Council]] supporting the plan and used its veto to block the move. This was done because they believed that the resolution would provide external influence to the internal debate, which they did not view as fair.<ref>[http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2004/sc8066.doc.htm UN Security Council Press Release SC / 8066]</ref>

In 24 April [[referendum]] the Turkish Cypriots endorsed the plan by a margin of almost two to one. However, the Greek Cypriots resoundingly voted against the plan, by a margin of about three to one.

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Referendum results
|- style="text-align:center;"
!rowspan=2|Referendum result!!colspan=2| Yes!!colspan=2|No!!rowspan=2|Turnout
|-
! Total !! % !! Total !! %
|- style="text-align:center;"
|Turkish Cypriot community|| 50,500 || 64.90% ||14,700 ||35.09% || 87%
|- style="text-align:center;"
|Greek Cypriot Community ||99,976 ||24.17%||313,704||75.83%|| 88%
|- style="text-align:center;"
|Total legitimate ballots in all areas||150,500||31.42%||328,500||68.58% ||<!-- 88% calculated - need source -->
|}

===The Cyprus dispute after the referendum===
{{Update|section|date=October 2016}}
In 2004, the [[Turkish Cypriots|Turkish Cypriot community]] was awarded "observer status" in the [[Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe]] (PACE), as part of the Cypriot delegation. Since then, two Turkish Cypriot representatives of [[Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe|PACE]] have been elected in the Assembly of [[Northern Cyprus]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=4PwmeRG9QsUC James Ker-Lindsay (UN SG's Former Special Representative for Cyprus)] The Foreign Policy of Counter Secession: Preventing the Recognition of Contested States, p.149</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20140226103031/http://www.todayszaman.com/newsDetail_getNewsById.action;jsessionid=516B38E2EAFF2073525EEB08F7B53903?newsId=105715 Today's Zaman] 2005–2007: CTP Özdil Nami; UBP Huseyin Ozgurgun</ref>

On 1 May 2004, a week after the [[referendum]], Cyprus joined the [[European Union]]. Under the terms of accession the whole island is considered to be a member of the European Union. However, the terms of the ''[[Acquis|acquis communautaire]]'', the EU's body of laws, have been suspended in [[Northern Cyprus]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cyprus – EU member country profile {{!}} European Union |url=https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/country-profiles/cyprus_en |access-date=2023-12-16 |website=european-union.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Pro-TRNC demonstration in Sarayönü North Nicosia.jpg|thumb|[[Sarayönü Square|Atatürk Square]], North Nicosia in 2006]]
After the referendum, in June 2004, the Turkish Cypriot community, despite the objection of the Cypriot government, had its designation at the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]], of which it has been an observer since 1979, changed to the "[[Turkish Cypriot State]]".<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=4PwmeRG9QsUC James Ker-Lindsay (UN SG's Former Special Representative for Cyprus)] The Foreign Policy of Counter Secession: Preventing the Recognition of Contested States, p.141: "...&nbsp;despite strong objections from Nicosia, this designation was changed to the 'Turkish Cypriot State{{'"}}</ref>

Despite initial hopes that a new process to modify the rejected plan would start by autumn, most of the rest of 2004 was taken up with discussions over a proposal by the European Union to open up direct trade with the Turkish Cypriots and provide €259,000,000 in funds to help them upgrade their infrastructure. This provoked considerable debate. The Greek Cypriots stated that there can be no direct trade via ports and airports in Northern Cyprus as these are unrecognised and said that Turkish Cypriots should use Greek Cypriot facilities in the south are they are internationally recognised. This was rejected by the Turkish Cypriots as insincere and mocking by Papadopoulos and his government. At the same time, attention turned to the question of the start of Turkey's future membership of the European Union. At a [[European Council]] held on 17 December 2004, and despite earlier Greek Cypriot threats to impose a veto, Turkey was granted a start date for formal membership talks on condition that it signed a protocol extending the customs union to the new entrants to the EU, including Cyprus. Assuming this was done, formal membership talks would begin on 3 October 2005.

Following the defeat of the UN plan in the referendum there has been no attempt to restart negotiations between the two sides. While both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to continuing efforts to reach an agreement, the UN Secretary-General has not been willing to restart the process until he can be sure that any new negotiations will lead to a comprehensive settlement based on the plan he put forward in 2004. To this end, he asked the Greek Cypriots to present a written list of the changes they would like to see made to the agreement. This was rejected by President [[Tassos Papadopoulos]] on the grounds that no side should be expected to present their demands in advance of negotiations. However, it appears as though the Greek Cypriots would be prepared to present their concerns orally. Another Greek Cypriot concern centres on the procedural process for new talks. Mr. Papadopoulos said that he would not accept arbitration or timetables for discussions. The UN fears that this would lead to another open-ended process that could drag on indefinitely.

In October 2012, [[Northern Cyprus]] became an "observer member" country of the [[Economic Cooperation Organization]] under the name "[[Turkish Cypriot State]]".

According to Stratis Efthymiou, even though defeated, the referendum had a formative impact on the Greek Cypriot community;<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Efthymiou|first=Stratis|title=Nationalism, Militarism and Masculinity in Post-Conflict Cyprus|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|year=2019|isbn=978-3-030-14702-0|location=Cham}}</ref> Greek Cypriots felt that reunification is a touchable reality, and this undermined the nationalist struggle and ideas of military defence. According to Efthymiou, since the referendum, the phenomenon of [[draft dodging]] has become prevalent and the defence budget has turned into a trivial amount.<ref name=":0" />

===Formula One and the Cyprus dispute===
The podium display after the [[2006 Turkish Grand Prix]] caused a controversy, when winner [[Felipe Massa]] received the trophy from [[Mehmet Ali Talat]], who was referred to as the "President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus". The government of the Republic of Cyprus filed an official complaint with the [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]]. After investigating the incident, the FIA fined the organisers of the Grand Prix $5&nbsp;million on 19 September 2006.<ref>[http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns17474.html "Turks fined only $5m*], GrandPrix.com, 19 September 2006</ref> The Turkish Motorsports Federation (TOSFED) and the organisers of the [[Turkish Grand Prix]] (MSO) agreed to pay half the fined sum pending an appeal to be heard by the FIA International Court of Appeal on 7 November 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns17612.html |title=F1 News > Turks to appeal |publisher=Grandprix.com |date=11 October 2006 |access-date=22 March 2009}}</ref> TOSFED insisted the move was not planned and that Talat did fit FIA's criteria for podium presentations as a figure of world standing. It is likely that the FIA wanted to repair their impartiality in international politics, the FIA stood their ground forcing the appeal to be withdrawn.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://autoracingsport.com/uncategorized/turkey-asks-to-withdraw-fine-appeal |title=Turkey asks to withdraw fine appeal |publisher=Autoracingsport.com |date=24 October 2006 |access-date=22 March 2009 |archive-date=26 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626061314/http://autoracingsport.com/uncategorized/turkey-asks-to-withdraw-fine-appeal/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===2008 elections in the Republic of Cyprus===
[[File:Nicosia 3 April 2008 07.jpg|thumb|Opening of [[Ledra Street]] in April 2008]]
In the [[2008 Cypriot presidential election|2008 presidential elections]], Papadopoulos was defeated by [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]] candidate [[Dimitris Christofias]], who pledged to restart talks on reunification immediately.<ref name=cnnfeb24>{{cite news|publisher=CNN|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/02/24/cyprus.election.ap/index.html|title=Christofias wins Cyprus presidency|date=24 February 2008|access-date=25 February 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080229001913/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/02/24/cyprus.election.ap/index.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 29 February 2008}}</ref> Speaking on the election result, [[Mehmet Ali Talat]] stated that "this forthcoming period will be a period during which the Cyprus problem can be solved within a reasonable space of time – despite all difficulties – provided that there is will".<ref name=kktcb>{{cite news|publisher=TRNC Presidency website|url=http://www.kktcb.eu/index.php?tpl=show_news&id=242|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305101336/http://www.kktcb.eu/index.php?tpl=show_news&id=242|url-status=usurped|archive-date=5 March 2008|title=President Talat's Statement on 25 February 2008 on the Results of the Greek Cypriot Elections |date=27 February 2008|access-date=27 February 2008}}</ref> Christofias held his first meeting as president with the Turkish Cypriot leader on 21 March 2008 in the [[United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus|UN buffer zone]] in Nicosia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7308128.stm|title=Cyprus leaders begin peace talks|work=BBC News|date=21 March 2008}}</ref> At the meeting, the two leaders agreed to launch a new round of "substantive" talks on reunification, and to reopen [[Ledra Street]], which has been cut in two since the [[Cypriot intercommunal violence|intercommunal violence]] of the 1960s and has come to symbolise the island's division.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7308912.stm|title=Cyprus peace back on the agenda|author=Tabitha Morgan|work=BBC News|date=21 March 2008}}</ref> On 3 April 2008, after barriers had been removed, the [[Ledra Street]] crossing was reopened in the presence of Greek and Turkish Cypriot officials.<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/04/03/europe/EU-GEN-Cyprus-Ledra-Street.php "Ledra Street crossing opens in Cyprus"]. ''International Herald Tribune''. Associated Press. 3 April 2008.</ref>

===2008–2012 negotiations and tripartite meetings===
A first meeting of the technical committees was set to take place on 18 April 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/newsbriefs/setimes/newsbriefs/2008/04/17/nb-03 |title=Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot negotiators to meet Friday |publisher=SETimes.com |date=17 April 2008 |access-date=22 March 2009}}</ref> Talat and Christofias met socially at a cocktail party on 7 May 2008,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/turkey/8729291.asp?gid=231&sz=34463 |title=UN welcomes Cyprus reunification efforts as the committees meet |work=Hürriyet |date=18 April 2008 |access-date=22 March 2009}}</ref> and agreed to meet regularly to review the progress of the talks so far.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/turkey/8889614.asp?gid=231&sz=77787 |title=Turkish-Greek Cypriot leaders to meet on May 23 |work=Hürriyet |date=8 May 2008 |access-date=22 March 2009}}</ref> A second formal summit was held on 23 May 2008 to review the progress made in the technical committees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://diepresse.com/home/politik/aussenpolitik/382492/index.do |title=Nächster Zypern-Gipfel am 23. Mai |publisher=Die Presse |date= 8 May 2008|access-date=22 March 2009}}</ref> At a meeting on 1 July 2008, the two leaders agreed in principle on the concepts of a single citizenship and a single sovereignty,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2008/07/03/feature-02 |title=Turkish Cypriot, Greek Cypriot leaders agree on single sovereignty, citizenship |work=SETimes.com |access-date=22 March 2009}}</ref> and decided to start direct reunification talks very soon;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c1ef3dee-47a1-11dd-93ca-000077b07658.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c1ef3dee-47a1-11dd-93ca-000077b07658.html |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=/ World – Cyprus leaders to start peace talks |work=Financial Times |date=2 July 2008 |access-date=22 March 2009}}</ref> on the same date, former Australian foreign minister [[Alexander Downer]] was appointed as the new UN envoy for Cyprus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2008/07/20087133324373260.html |title=Europe – Downer appointed as UN Cyprus envoy |work=Al Jazeera English |date=1 July 2008 |access-date=22 March 2009}}</ref> Christofias and Talat agreed to meet again on 25 July 2008 for a final review of the preparatory work before the actual negotiations would start.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90853/6440401.html |title=Cypriot leaders meet to discuss key issues for reunification talks |work=People's Daily |date=2 July 2008 |access-date=22 March 2009}}</ref> Christofias was expected to propose a rotating presidency for the united Cypriot state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/newsbriefs/setimes/newsbriefs/2008/07/23/nb-07 |title=Christofias to propose rotating presidency in Cyprus |work=SETimes.com |date=23 July 2008 |access-date=22 March 2009}}</ref> Talat stated he expected they would set a date to start the talks in September, and reiterated that he would not agree to abolishing the guarantor roles of Turkey and Greece,<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90853/6457698.html |title=Talks for Cyprus solution expected to start in September |work=People's Daily |access-date=22 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/newsbriefs/setimes/newsbriefs/2008/07/24/nb-06 |title=Talat says Cyprus reunification talks will start in September |work=SETimes.com |date=24 July 2008 |access-date=22 March 2009}}</ref> with a reunification plan would be put to referendums in both communities after negotiations.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7525266.stm |title=Cyprus sets date for peace talks |work=BBC News |date=25 July 2008 |access-date=22 March 2009}}</ref>

In December 2008, the [[Athens|Athenian]] socialist daily newspaper ''[[To Vima]]'' described a "crisis" in relations between Christofias and Talat, with the Turkish Cypriots beginning to speak openly of a loose "confederation",<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tovima.gr/default.asp?pid=2&ct=32&artId=244702|script-title=el:Κρίση στις σχέσεις Χριστόφια και Ταλάτ |trans-title=Crisis in relations between Christofias and Talat |date=30 November 2008|work=[[To Vima]]|language=el|access-date=1 December 2008}}</ref>{{Clarify|date=March 2009}}<!-- in Greek and cannot seem to find translation in English--> an idea strongly opposed by South Nicosia. Tensions were further exacerbated by Turkey's harassment of Cypriot vessels engaged in oil exploration in the island's [[Exclusive economic zone of Cyprus|Exclusive Economic Zone]], and by the Turkish Cypriot leadership's alignment with Ankara's claim that Cyprus has no [[continental shelf]].<!-- Cyprus is a subduction zone at the meeting of the Eurasian and African plates-->

On 29 April 2009, Talat stated that if the [[Court of Appeal of England and Wales]] (that will put the last point in [[Apostolides v Orams|Orams' case]]) makes a decision in the same spirit as the decision of [[European Court of Justice]] (ECJ) then the negotiation process in Cyprus will be damaged<ref>[http://www.brtk.cc/index.php/lang/en/cat/2/news/48882 "President of Turkish Cyprus Talat holds three and a half hour meeting with political party leaders regard Orams case"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606101505/http://www.brtk.cc/index.php/lang/en/cat/2/news/48882 |date=6 June 2013 }}</ref> in such a way that it will never be repaired once more.<ref>[http://www.brtk.cc/index.php/lang/tr/cat/2/news/48875] "Müzakere sürecinin bir daha düzeltilmesi mümkün olmayan bir şekilde zedeleneceği uyarısında bulunuldu" means "in such a way that it will never be repaired once more'' in English. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606095231/http://www.brtk.cc/index.php/lang/tr/cat/2/news/48875|date=6 June 2013}} Hence, the expression in BRTK Turkish web site is missing some parts in BRTK English web site. Translation to English is corrected in Wikipedia.''</ref>{{full citation needed|date=October 2022}} The European Commission warned the Republic of Cyprus not to turn Orams' legal fight to keep their holiday home into a political battle over the divided island.{{citation needed|date=May 2018|reason=[[WP:DAILYMAIL]]}}

On 31 January 2010, United Nations [[Secretary-General of the United Nations|Secretary-General]] [[Ban Ki-moon]] arrived in Cyprus to accelerate talks aimed at reuniting the country.<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article98552.ece "Ban holds talks with rival Cyprus leaders"]. ''[[The Hindu]]''. 1 February 2010.</ref> The [[2010 Northern Cyprus presidential election|election]] of nationalist [[Derviş Eroğlu]] of the [[National Unity Party (Northern Cyprus)|National Unity Party]] as president in Northern Cyprus on was expected to complicate reunification negotiations;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2010/04/nationalist-wins-northern-cyprus-election/67727.aspx|first=Toby |last=Vogel|work=European Voice |title=Nationalist wins northern Cyprus election|date=19 April 2010}}</ref> however, Eroǧlu stated that he was now also in favour of a federal state, a change from his previous positions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://derstandard.at/1271377644004/Neuer-Praesident-Nordzyperns-fuer-Bundesstaat|title=Neuer Präsident Nordzyperns für Bundesstaat|language=de|trans-title=New president of Northern Cyprus for federal state |work=Der Standard|access-date=2 April 2016}}</ref>

A series of five tripartite meetings took place from 2010 to 2012, with Ban, Christofias and Eroǧlu negotiating, but without any agreement on the main issues. When asked about the process in March 2011, Ban replied "The negotiations cannot be an open-ended process, nor can we afford interminable talks for the sake of talks".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cyprusweekly.com.cy/main/92,1,283,0,17663-CYPRUS.aspx|title=UN chief worried about talks|work=InCyprus|access-date=2 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926230539/http://www.cyprusweekly.com.cy/main/92,1,283,0,17663-CYPRUS.aspx|archive-date=26 September 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> That month saw the 100th negotiation since April 2008 without any agreement over the main issues- a deadlock that continued through the next year and a half despite a renewed push for Cyprus to unite and take over the EU presidency in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.trend.az/regions/met/turkey/1903256.html|title=Turkish FM hopes for Cyprus reunification referendum in early 2012|date=9 July 2011|work=Trend|access-date=2 April 2016}}</ref>

Talks began to fall apart in 2012, with [[Ban Ki-moon]] stating that "there is not enough progress on core issues of reunification talks for calling an international conference".<ref>[https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41834&Cr=Cyprus&Cr1= UN News Center] 21 April 2012</ref>{{full citation needed|reason=Title missing|date=October 2022}} Special Advisor of the Secretary-General Alexander Downer further commented that "If the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot Leaders cannot agree with each other on a model for a united Cyprus, then United Nations cannot make them".<ref>[http://www.unficyp.org/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=5214 UNFICYP official website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808043644/http://www.unficyp.org/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=5214 |date=8 August 2014 }} 27 April 2012</ref>{{full citation needed|reason=Title missing|date=October 2022}} Eroglu stated that joint committees with the Greek Cypriot side had been set up to take confidence-building measures in September that year, but negotiations were suspended in early 2013 because of a change of government in the Greek Cypriot community of Cyprus.<ref>[http://cyprus-mail.com/2014/02/01/ban-says-two-sides-close-to-joint-statement Cyprus Mail] 2 February 2014</ref>{{full citation needed|reason=Title missing|date=October 2022}} On 11 February 2014, Alexander Downer, UN Secretary-General's special adviser, stepped down.<ref>[http://cyprus-mail.com/2014/02/11/downer-steps-down/ "Downer steps down"]. ''Cyprus Mail''. 11 February 2014.</ref> The Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders declared a [[2014 Cyprus talks|Joint Communique]].<ref name="Cyprus Mail 11 Feb 2014"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Turkish Cypriot, Greek Cypriot parties set up committees|url=http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=96183|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213042253/http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=96183|url-status=usurped|archive-date=13 December 2012|work=WorldBulletin|access-date=4 October 2012}}</ref>

===2014 renewed talks===
{{Main|2014 Cyprus talks}}
[[File:Feridun Sinirlioğlu and Andreas Mavroyiannis.jpg|thumbnail|Turkish Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs [[Feridun Sinirlioğlu]] (Left) and the Greek Cypriot negotiator [[Andreas Mavroyiannis]] (Right), in [[Ankara]], within the scope of the [[2014 Cyprus talks]]]]
In February 2014, renewed negotiations to settle the Cyprus dispute began after several years of warm relations between the north and the south. On 11 February 2014, the leaders of Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, [[Nicos Anastasiades]] and [[Derviş Eroğlu]], respectively, revealed the following joint declaration:<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Joint Declaration: final version as agreed between the two leaders |url=http://cyprus-mail.com/2014/02/11/joint-declaration-final-version-as-agreed-between-the-two-leaders/ |newspaper=[[Cyprus Mail]] |date=11 February 2014 }}</ref>

{{Blockquote|
# The status quo is unacceptable and its prolongation will have negative consequences for the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. The leaders affirmed that a settlement would have a positive impact on the entire region, while first and foremost benefiting Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, respecting democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as each other's distinct identity and integrity and ensuring their common future in a united Cyprus within the European Union.
# The leaders expressed their determination to resume structured negotiations in a results-oriented manner. All unresolved core issues will be on the table, and will be discussed interdependently. The leaders will aim to reach a settlement as soon as possible, and hold separate simultaneous referenda thereafter.
# The settlement will be based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, as set out in the relevant Security Council Resolutions and the High Level Agreements. The united Cyprus, as a member of the United Nations and of the European Union, shall have a single international legal personality and a single sovereignty, which is defined as the sovereignty which is enjoyed by all member States of the United Nations under the UN Charter and which emanates equally from Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. There will be a single united Cyprus citizenship, regulated by federal law. All citizens of the united Cyprus shall also be citizens of either the Greek-Cypriot constituent state or the Turkish-Cypriot constituent state. This status shall be internal and shall complement, and not substitute in any way, the united Cyprus citizenship.<p>The powers of the federal government, and like matters that are clearly incidental to its specified powers, will be assigned by the constitution. The Federal constitution will also provide for the residual powers to be exercised by the constituent states. The constituent states will exercise fully and irrevocably all their powers, free from encroachment by the federal government. The federal laws will not encroach upon constituent state laws, within the constituent states' area of competences, and the constituent states' laws will not encroach upon the federal laws within the federal government's competences. Any dispute in respect thereof will be adjudicated finally by the Federal Supreme Court. Neither side may claim authority or jurisdiction over the other.</p>
# The united Cyprus federation shall result from the settlement following the settlement's approval by separate simultaneous referenda. The Federal constitution shall prescribe that the united Cyprus federation shall be composed of two constituent states of equal status. The bi-zonal, bi-communal nature of the federation and the principles upon which the EU is founded will be safeguarded and respected throughout the island.  The Federal constitution shall be the supreme law of the land and will be binding on all the federation's authorities and on the constituent states. Union in whole or in part with any other country or any form of partition or secession or any other unilateral change to the state of affairs will be prohibited.
# The negotiations are based on the principle that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed.
# The appointed representatives are fully empowered to discuss any issue at any time and should enjoy parallel access to all stakeholders and interested parties in the process, as needed. The leaders of the two communities will meet as often as needed. They retain the ultimate decision making power. Only an agreement freely reached by the leaders may be put to separate simultaneous referenda. Any kind of arbitration is excluded.
# The sides will seek to create a positive atmosphere to ensure the talks succeed. They commit to avoiding blame games or other negative public comments on the negotiations. They also commit to efforts to implement confidence building measures that will provide a dynamic impetus to the prospect for a united Cyprus.}}

The governments of both Greece and Turkey expressed their support for renewed peace talks.<ref name="DW_Peace">{{cite news |last=Morley |first=Nathan |date=11 February 2014 |title=Cyprus peace talks resume after two-year break |url=http://www.dw.de/cyprus-peace-talks-resume-after-two-year-break/a-17424693 |newspaper=[[Deutsche Welle]] |access-date=23 February 2014 }}</ref> The declaration was also welcomed by the European Union.<ref name="EUObs_Big">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Big expectations as Cyprus peace talks restart |url=http://euobserver.com/foreign/123097 |newspaper=[[EUobserver]] |location=Brussels |date=11 February 2014 |access-date=23 February 2014 }}</ref>

On 13 February 2014, [[Chrysostomos II of Cyprus|Archbishop Chrysostomos]] lent [[Nicos Anastasiades|Anastasiades]] his backing on the Joint Declaration.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Anastasiades secures Archbishop's backing |url=http://cyprus-mail.com/2014/02/13/anastasiades-secures-archbishops-backing/ |newspaper=[[Cyprus Mail]] |date=13 February 2014  }}</ref>

On 14 February 2014, the Greek Cypriot negotiator Andreas Mavroyiannis and Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Özersay held their first meeting and agreed to visit Greece and Turkey respectively.<ref>{{cite news |last=Evripidou |first=Stefanos |date=15 February 2014 |title=Direct access to guarantors |url=http://cyprus-mail.com/2014/02/15/direct-access-to-guarantors/ |newspaper=Cyprus Mail }}</ref>

Reactions among the Greek Cypriot political parties were mixed. The opposition [[AKEL]] party declared its support for the declaration.<ref name="DW_Peace"/> However, [[Nicolas Papadopoulos]], the leader of [[DIKO]], the main partner to Anastasiades' party [[Democratic Rally|DISY]] in the governing coalition, opposed the declaration, and [[DIKO]]'s executive committee voted on 21 February to recommend to the party's central committee that the party withdraw from the coalition from 4 March.<ref name="CM_Eyes">{{cite news |last=Psillides |first=Constantinos |date=23 February 2014 |title=All eyes on DIKO's next move |url=http://cyprus-mail.com/2014/02/23/all-eyes-on-dikos-next-move/ |newspaper=Cyprus Mail |access-date=23 February 2014 }}</ref> On 27 February, [[DIKO]] decided to leave the coalition government, with the explanation that the Joint Declaration had conceded separate [[sovereignty]] to [[Turkish Cypriots]].<ref>[http://cyprus-mail.com/2014/02/27/diko-decides-to-leave-coalition/ Cyprus Mail] 27 February 2014</ref>

On 15 May 2015, in the first [[Mustafa Akıncı|Akıncı]]–Anastasiades negotiation meeting, [[Northern Cyprus]] lifted visa requirements for Greek Cypriots, and Anastasiades presented maps of 28 minefields in the north, near the mountainous region of Pentadaktilos.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2387807&CategoryId=12395|work=Latin American Herald Tribune |title=Turkish Cypriot Authorities Lift Visa Requirements for Greek Cypriots|access-date=2 April 2016|archive-date=14 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414170214/http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2387807&CategoryId=12395|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2015–2017 talks===
{{Main|2015–2017 Cyprus talks}}
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, [[Nicos Anastasiades]], and President of Northern Cyprus, [[Mustafa Akıncı]], met for the first time and restarted peace talks on 12 May 2015. On 7 July 2017, the UN-sponsored talks which had been held in the Swiss Alps for the previous 10 days were brought to a halt after negotiations broke down.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/07/cyprus-reunification-talks-collapse-amid-angry-scenes | title=Cyprus reunification talks collapse amid angry scenes| newspaper=The Guardian| date=7 July 2017| last1=Smith| first1=Helena}}</ref> Cyprus talks in Crans-Montana ended without a peace and reunification deal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cyprus talks end without a peace and reunification deal|work=BBC News|date=7 July 2017|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40530370|access-date=24 March 2020}}</ref>

On 1 October 2017, former British foreign secretary [[Jack Straw]] stated that only a [[Two-state solution (Cyprus)|partitioned island]] would bring the dispute between [[Turkish Cypriots|Turkish]] and [[Greek Cypriots]] to an end.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/cyrpus-turkish-greek-cypriots-partition-eu-international-community-should-act-a7976711.html|title=Only a partitioned island will bring the dispute between Turkish and Greek Cypriots to an end|work=The Independent |date=1 October 2017|access-date=25 March 2020}}</ref> On 2 October, Turkish Cypriot FM Tahsin Ertugruloglu said federation on island is impossible.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/turkish-cypriot-fm-says-federation-on-island-impossible/929149|title=Turkish Cypriot FM says federation on island impossible|agency=Anadolu |date=6 October 2017|access-date=25 March 2020}}</ref>

In late 2017, Business Monitor International, part of the [[Fitch Group]], downgraded its assessment of a new Cyprus unification deal from slim to extremely remote.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R41136.pdf|title=Cyprus: Reunification Proving Elusive|publisher=Congressional Research Service |first=Vincent L. |last=Morelli |date=15 April 2019 |page=41|access-date=25 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenationalherald.com/176366/fitch-business-group-sees-almost-no-hope-cyprus-unity/|title=Fitch Business Group Sees Almost No Hope for Cyprus Unity|date=28 September 2017|work=The National Herald |access-date=25 March 2020|archive-date=25 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325164822/https://www.thenationalherald.com/176366/fitch-business-group-sees-almost-no-hope-cyprus-unity/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2018–present===
{{clear}}
{{Cyprus problem detailed map}}
{{clear}}
In June 2018, in an attempt to jump-start the talks, UN Secretary-General [[António Guterres]] appointed [[Jane Holl Lute]] as his new adviser for Cyprus. Her mission was to consult the two Cypriot leaders, Nicos Anastasiades and Mustafa Akıncı, and the three guarantor parties (Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom) to determine if favourable conditions existed to resume UN-hosted negotiations and, if so, to prepare comprehensive "terms of reference". Lute conducted a first round of consultations in September 2018, a second in October 2018, a third in January 2019, and a fourth and final round on 7 April 2019, and found that both sides were seemingly farther apart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R41136.pdf|title=Cyprus: Reunification Proving Elusive|work=Congressional Research Service |first=Vincent L. |last=Morelli |date=15 April 2019|access-date=25 March 2020}}</ref>

On 12 November 2018, the Dherynia checkpoint on the island's east coast and the Lefka-Aplikli checkpoint 52&nbsp;km west of Nicosia were opened that brought the total crossing points to nine along the island's 180&nbsp;km long buffer zone.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://knews.kathimerini.com.cy/en/news/lefka-and-deryneia-crossing-points-to-open-today|title=Lefka and Dherynia crossing points are now open|work=Kathimerini |date=12 November 2018|access-date=25 March 2020}}</ref>

On 5 February 2019, [[Greece]] and [[Turkey]] stated they wanted to defuse tensions between them through dialogue, including regarding the Cyprus dispute. Another [[2018 Cyprus gas dispute|dispute]] over oil and gas explorations in the waters of Cyprus' [[exclusive economic zone]] between the different parties is however keeping them from renewing talks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/greece-turkey-vow-to-defuse-tensions-through-dialogue/|title=Greece, Turkey vow to defuse tensions through dialogue|date=6 February 2019|website=Euractiv|language=en-GB|access-date=1 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/07/article/tensions-ratchet-up-in-cyprus-gas-dispute/|title=Tensions ratchet up in Cyprus gas dispute |work=Asia Times|date=July 2019|language=en|access-date=1 July 2019}}</ref>

On 25 November 2019, [[António Guterres|Guterres]], [[Nicos Anastasiades|Anastasiades]] and [[Mustafa Akıncı|Akıncı]] came together at an informal dinner in Berlin and discussed the next steps on the Cyprus issue. Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots could not however agree "terms of reference" to restart phased, meaningful, and results-oriented Cyprus negotiations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.financialmirror.com/2019/11/26/no-movement-expected-on-peace-talks-until-after-april-2020/|title=No movement expected on peace talks until after April 2020|date=26 November 2019|work=Financial Mirror|access-date=25 March 2020}}</ref>

On 20 January 2020, the United Nations special envoy for Cyprus said that "there's growing scepticism as to whether reunification is still possible" as negotiations remained deadlocked.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/crisiswatch/february-alerts-and-january-trends-2020|title=February Alerts and January Trends 2020|date=31 January 2020|website=www.crisisgroup.org}}</ref>

In February 2020, [[Mustafa Akıncı]], the [[President of Northern Cyprus]], said in an interview with ''[[The Guardian]]'' that if the reunification efforts in Cyprus failed then northern Cyprus would grow increasingly dependent on Turkey and could end up being swallowed up, as a de facto Turkish province, adding that the prospect of a [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|Crimea-style annexation]] would be "horrible".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harding |first=Luke |date=2020-02-06 |title=Turkish Cypriot leader warns Cyprus is facing permanent partition |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/06/turkish-cypriot-leader-warns-cyprus-facing-permanent-partition-mustafa-akinci |access-date=2023-12-16 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Turkish officials condemned him. Turkey's vice-president [[Fuat Oktay]] said: "I condemn the remarks that target Republic of Turkey which stands with TRNC in all conditions and protect its rights and interests." Communications Director [[Fahrettin Altun]] said that Akıncı does not deserve to be president, adding that many Turkish Cypriots and Turkish soldiers lost their lives (for Cyprus) and that Turkey has no designs on the soil of any country. Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gül criticised Akıncı's remarks, which he said hurt the ancestors and martyrs. In addition, Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister [[Ersin Tatar]] criticised Akıncı.<ref>[https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/top-turkish-officials-slam-turkish-cypriot-leader-for-remarks-151875 "Top Turkish officials slam Turkish Cypriot leader for remarks"]. ''Hürriyet''.</ref>

No Cyprus unity talks breakthrough were seen in 2020. [[Nicos A. Rolandis|Nicos Rolandis]] (foreign minister of Cyprus 1978–1983 and commerce minister 1998–2003) said a political settlement to Cyprus dispute is almost impossible for now.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenationalherald.com/278080/no-cyprus-unity-talks-breakthrough-seen-this-year/|title=No Cyprus Unity Talks Breakthrough Seen This Year|date=6 January 2020|work=The National Herald|access-date=25 March 2020}}</ref> Prime Minister [[Ersin Tatar]], who supports a two-state solution, won the [[2020 Northern Cypriot presidential election]].<ref name="reuters-cyprus"/>

Since the election of Ersin Tatar, both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots insist a two-state solution is the only option.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024|reason=Which Turkish Cypriots?}} Greece, Cyprus, the EU and the United Nations maintain a federation as the only solution which has led to a freeze in talks since 2020.

On 30 January 2022, Tatar specified that sovereign equality and the equal international status of the Turkish Cypriots are non-negotiable.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/tatar-insists-on-sovereign-equality-to-start-cyprus-talks/|title=Tatar insists on sovereign equality to start Cyprus talks|date=30 January 2022|work=Phile News|access-date=31 January 2022|archive-date=31 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131080328/https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/tatar-insists-on-sovereign-equality-to-start-cyprus-talks/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/01/30/tatar-says-hes-ready-for-an-informal-dialogue|title=Tatar says he's ready for an informal dialogue|date=30 January 2022|publisher=Cyprus-mail|access-date=31 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldstockmarket.net/e-tatar-first-recognition-of-sovereign-equality-then-negotiation|title=E. Tatar: First recognition of sovereign equality, then negotiation|date=30 January 2022|work=Worldstockmarket|access-date=31 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fourals.com/2022/01/30/incendiary-statements-of-tatars-varosia-belongs-to-the-pseudo-state-the-federation-is-out-of-time|title=Incendiary statements of Tatars: Varosia belongs to the pseudo-state – 'The federation is out of time'|date=30 January 2022|work=Fourals|access-date=31 January 2022|archive-date=21 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921223035/https://www.fourals.com/2022/01/30/incendiary-statements-of-tatars-varosia-belongs-to-the-pseudo-state-the-federation-is-out-of-time/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 11 November 2022, [[Northern Cyprus]] became a non-member observer state of the [[Organisation of Turkic States|Organisation of Turkic States (OTS)]] with its official name "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.turkicstates.org/en/haberler/turkic-world-stands-united_2799|title=Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus |date=4 May 2023}}</ref> The Cypriot government condemned this action.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/11/11/observer-status-at-turkic-states-for-north-is-meaningless-foreign-ministry-says-updated/|title='Observer status' at Turkic States for north is 'meaningless', foreign ministry says |date=11 November 2022}}</ref> The European Union also condemned it and "expressed strong support to the principle of territorial integrity and the [[UN Charter]]."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/cyprus-statement-spokesperson-observer-status-turkish-cypriot-secessionist-entity-organisation_en|title=Cyprus: Statement of the Spokesperson on the observer status for Turkish Cypriot secessionist entity in Organisation of Turkic States |date=12 November 2022}}</ref>

On 29 April 2023, Northern Cyprus became an observer member state of the [[TURKPA|Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA)]] with its official name "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-114_-kktc-cumhuriyet-meclisi-nin-turk-devletleri-parlamenter-asamblesi-ne-gozlemci-uye-olarak-kabul-edilmesi-hk.en.mfa|title=No: 114, 29 April 2023, Press Release Regarding the Acceptance of the Assembly of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus As An Observer Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States |date=29 April 2023}}</ref>

On 5 July 2024, the mandate of the UN Secretary General personal envoy, [[María Ángela Holguín]], ended. Holguín found no common ground for Cyprus solution. In parting letter, Holguín called for Cypriots to "think differently" to find a solution to the Cyprus problem.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2024/07/01/unsc-head-says-holguin-only-found-there-is-no-common-ground-for-cyprus-solution/|title=UNSC head says Holguin only found 'there is no common ground for Cyprus solution'|date=1 July 2024|publisher=Cyprus Mail|access-date=20 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/crisiswatch/july-trends-and-august-alerts-2024#cyprus|title=Inflammatory rhetoric soared as Cyprus marked 50th anniversary of Turkish troop presence|date=15 July 2024|publisher=International Crisis Group|access-date=20 August 2024}}</ref>

On 15 October 2024, the UN Secretary General, [[António Guterres]], stated that there is no common ground between [[Greek Cypriots]] and [[Turkish Cypriots]] in [[Island of Cyprus|Cyprus]] for negotiations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kibrispostasi.com/c140-DAILY_NEWS/n536992-guterres-no-common-ground-between-leaders-informal-expanded-meeting-planned|title=Guterres: No Common Ground Between Leaders, Informal Expanded Meeting Planned|date=16 October 2024|publisher=Cyprus Mirror|access-date=17 October 2024}}</ref>