Cyprus reunification talks resume

Reunification talks for divided Cyprus resume in Geneva today between Northern and Southern Cyprus and security guarantors from Britain, Greece and Turkey. UN mediators cancelled the ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity for negotiation efforts in May, citing ‘a lack of common ground’.

The much anticipated 2nd summit of the year was supposed to be a breakthrough in negotiations after a relatively promising round of negotiations in January. But the January summit ended in disagreement over the issue of security.

Despite this, a lot was taken from the January summit. Both sides appeared to be more compatible in negotiations than in the past. The respective leaders appeared to be more pragmatic and moderate than their predecessors and were even from the same town.

Although negotiations have resumed, it is almost certain the dispute will not resolve itself today. But the fact that talks have resumed is a good sign for future reunification talks. One can only hope that common ground can be maintained and both leaders rediscover the pragmatism shown in January.