The government of Cyprus has unveiled a package of measures aimed at rebuilding trust with Turkish Cypriots as the United Nations gears up to revive peace talks.
The measures, announced by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, include expediting citizenship applications, providing pensions for widows, enhancing job training opportunities, and ensuring easier access to Muslim places of worship. President Christodoulides emphasized that this demonstrates the recognition of Turkish Cypriots as citizens of the Cyprus Republic.
Additionally, the package includes urgent medical assistance, expanded trade between the north and south of the divided island, and smoother border crossings at various checkpoints.
These measures come ahead of a visit by the UN secretary-general's personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, who will assess whether there is enough common ground to resume peace talks after a six-year stalemate.
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, however, dismissed the measures as an attempt by Greek Cypriots to assert sovereignty over Turkish Cypriots and gain favor with Holguin.
The divide between the two sides has widened since the last significant attempt at progress in 2017, with Turkey and Turkish Cypriots advocating for a two-state solution, while Greek Cypriots reject any formalization of partition.
