The subject matter expert’s conference on the Cyprus dispute starts today

The subject matter experts of the Republic of Cyprus, the Turkish-Cypriot community, Greece, Turkey, UK and the UN will measure the distance between them on Mont Pelerin, Switzerland.

The conference does not aim to solve the problems regarding these issues, but to prepare the ground for the political negotiations that are planned to follow. The subject matter experts will document the questions, the worries of each side regarding the guarantees and the security issues.

So far there is no optimism regarding the negotiations, as the Turkish side does not seem willing to compromise, especially as far as the possibility of the Turkish occupying forces leaving Cyprus is concerned. The Greek side is not willing to accept any solution that will include guarantors or foreign troops on an independent European country like Cyprus.