The occupying leadership is pivoting away from comprehensive settlement talks in favour of a ‘third way’: high-level cooperation between two separate entities before any solution is reached. Backed by Ankara, this strategy aims to force the Republic of Cyprus into a partnership of equals with the breakaway regime, effectively sidelining the core political problem while cementing the status quo.
The ‘Third Way’: Cooperation without a solution
Ankara and the occupation regime are currently promoting a model of “joint action” that bypasses traditional negotiations. This approach seeks to treat the Republic of Cyprus and the secessionist entity as two equal partners on the island. By demanding joint decision-making on major issues, the Turkish side aims to achieve de facto recognition through “high-level” councils and shared management, all while Turkey maintains control over these joint ventures.
Fidan’s ‘Frozen’ Conflict Strategy
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has proposed “freezing” political disagreements to focus on economic unity. In a recent interview with «TRT World», he suggested that even without a solution, the two sides could cooperate on:
Energy and Tourism: Transforming the island into a “paradise” through joint investments.
A ‘Cooperation Council’: A model of loose political unity between two states, which Fidan has been floating in private meetings.
While Fidan hints at cooperation after a two-state agreement, his immediate focus remains on ending the “isolation” of Turkish Cypriots by forcing their inclusion in regional energy and political frameworks.
The battle over natural gas and Lebanon
The occupation leader, Tufan Erhürman, has escalated his rhetoric against the Republic’s international agreements. He recently attacked the maritime border deal between Cyprus and Lebanon, claiming it ignores the will of Turkish Cypriots as “co-founders” of the island. Ankara supported this by lodging a formal protest with Beirut.
The Turkish side continues to demand:
Joint management: Shared control of hydrocarbons and revenue before any settlement.
Ankara’s Pipeline: The transport of Eastern Mediterranean gas via a pipeline through Turkey.
Frustration over EU Presidency and SAFE
Ankara is visibly irritated by the Republic of Cyprus’s upcoming EU Presidency in 2026 and its growing international influence. Fidan has already warned that Nicosia will “block” Turkey’s relations with the EU, echoing Ankara’s obstructive stance from 2012.
Furthermore, Turkey has been excluded from the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) mechanism. While Turkey missed the November deadline for participation, Greece and Cyprus have successfully blocked any special bilateral agreements that would allow EU funds to be spent on Turkish-made defence systems.
UN envoy faces deliberate delays
The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, continues to face tactical delays from Ankara. After being made to wait for a meeting with Fidan due to his “busy schedule,” she was forced to travel to Portugal before returning to Turkey for a brief encounter where Fidan appeared rushed and dismissive. This foot-dragging has successfully pushed the proposed informal five-party summit back to the first quarter of 2026.
UNFICYP under pressure
The occupation regime is again demanding a separate agreement with UNFICYP, claiming the peacekeepers are merely “guests” in the north. In a letter to the UN, they warned that without a formal framework with their “authorities,” the force risks becoming “part of the conflict.”
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