Ankara is reportedly pondering a pull out of its armed forces in Cyprus provided that it can leave behind military bases much like the British armed forces currently operate on the island.
According to reports in Phileleftheros on Thursday, the new formula has already been suggested to the Permanent Five of the UN Security Council. The permanent five members – also known as the Big 5 – are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Although nothing has been made official, Turkish officials are reportedly keen on the idea of operating Turkish Base Areas in the event of a solution. Such a move, Ankara claims, would drastically reduce the number of Turkish troops currently pitted on the north side of the island.
This proposal has not been put before Nicosia or even Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci.
Athens and Nicosia have always maintained the position that they will not accept any kind of Turkish military presence on the island with President Nicos Anastasiades having repeatedly waved away suggestions connecting to guarantee powers.
Cyprus Weekly