The failure to announce new crossings stemmed from a disagreement over one proposed route passing through the UN-controlled buffer zone. Tatar called this “unacceptable,” accusing Christodoulides of undermining mutual confidence. The crossings had been part of a March agreement that included six bilateral initiatives, four of which were advanced during the recent talks.

These included the creation of a youth technical committee, environmental and climate cooperation—particularly around mining zones—the restoration of cemeteries, and a demining framework that remains under technical negotiation. However, key political questions such as troop presence, veto rights, and property ownership remain deeply divisive.

Reunification Vision At Odds With Two-State Push

The island has remained divided since 1974, when Türkiye invaded in response to a coup by pro-Greek forces. Only Türkiye recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, where it maintains over 35,000 troops. Guterres reaffirmed the UN-backed vision of a federal reunification, but Tatar insists on a two-state model aligned with Ankara’s position.

Greek Cypriots reject this framework, citing fears that formal partition would legitimize permanent Turkish control and jeopardize their territorial rights. The rise in luxury construction in the north has sparked legal action by Greek Cypriot authorities, escalating tensions over land claims and property restitution.

Despite the lack of progress on crossings, both sides agreed to meet again with Guterres in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, with informal talks expected to follow later in the year.