The Third Vienna Agreement: A Step Towards Resolving the Cyprus Conflict

The Cyprus conflict has been a long-standing issue, with various attempts made over the years to find a peaceful solution. The most recent of these attempts is the Third Vienna Agreement, reached in November 2019 between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. This agreement aims to address some of the key issues that have long divided the two sides and move towards a comprehensive settlement of the conflict.

What is the Third Vienna Agreement?

The Third Vienna Agreement is a joint declaration signed by the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, Nicos Anastasiades and Mustafa Akıncı respectively. The agreement was reached after two days of negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations and the presence of both the European Union and the United Kingdom.

The agreement focuses on five key areas:

1. Governance and power-sharing

2. Property

3. Territory

4. Security and guarantees

5. Equal treatment of all citizens

The aim of the agreement is to provide a framework for negotiations towards a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus conflict.

Why is the Third Vienna Agreement significant?

The Cyprus conflict has been ongoing for over 45 years, with multiple failed attempts to find a peaceful solution. The Third Vienna Agreement represents a significant step towards resolving the conflict, as it provides a roadmap for negotiations towards a comprehensive settlement.

The agreement addresses some of the key issues that have long divided the two sides. For example, the issue of property has been a major sticking point in previous negotiations. The Third Vienna Agreement sets out principles for the resolution of property issues that could pave the way for progress in this area.

The agreement also recognizes the need for a federal solution that provides equal treatment for both communities. This is a departure from previous attempts at a settlement, which often focused on proposals for a confederation or other political arrangements that did not fully address the needs and concerns of both communities.

What are the next steps?

The Third Vienna Agreement is just the first step towards a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus conflict. The agreement sets out a framework for further negotiations, with the aim of reaching a final settlement by mid-2020.

The next steps include the establishment of working groups to address the specific issues covered by the agreement, as well as the continuation of high-level talks between the two leaders. The United Nations, European Union, and other key stakeholders will also play a crucial role in supporting the negotiations and ensuring that progress is made towards a comprehensive settlement.

Conclusion

The Third Vienna Agreement represents a significant step towards resolving the Cyprus conflict. While there is still a long way to go before a final settlement is reached, the agreement provides a roadmap for negotiations that could lead to a comprehensive solution in the near future. As the negotiations continue, it is important to remember that any settlement must address the needs and concerns of both communities and provide a framework for lasting peace and prosperity in Cyprus.