The United Nations Secretary-General’s special envoy, María Ángela Holguín, delivered a clear message following her meeting with Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulides. The diplomatic mission to Nicosia aims to prepare for the crucial trilateral meeting scheduled for September with the participation of António Guterres. The UN representative emphasized that political leaders in Cyprus are called upon to take decisive steps to give new momentum to the peace process. Her mission to the island aims to gather information and assess the climate ahead of the significant meeting.
Cyprus issue: Trilateral meeting scheduled in New York
According to Cypriot government spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis, the United Nations has proposed holding the joint meeting on Saturday, September 27. The Greek Cypriot side responded positively to this proposal, showing its willingness for constructive dialogue.
The meeting is expected to take place in New York, parallel to the work of the UN General Assembly. The central theme will be the restart of negotiations based on the existing framework for a Bizonal Bicommunal Federation solution with political equality, as defined by Security Council resolutions.
Ongoing contacts and consultations
Ms. Holguín’s program includes extensive contacts with all involved parties. On Monday, a meeting will take place with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, while on Tuesday she will meet with Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou.
Her mission framework also includes:
• Meetings with the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Youth
• Contacts with Chambers of Commerce and Industry
• Visits to restored cemeteries within the framework of confidence-building measures
The special envoy aims to form a comprehensive picture of the situation before briefing the Secretary-General on the trilateral meeting.
Confidence-building measures and crossing points
The Government Spokesman referred to the progress made in specific areas of Confidence-Building Measures, although the desired degree of progress has not been achieved. Particular emphasis was placed on the issue of crossing points, which was the subject of extensive discussion in recent multilateral meetings.
Despite agreement from all parties, the expected development in this area has not occurred. The government emphasizes that while confidence-building measures can improve citizens’ daily lives and strengthen trust, they do not replace the main goal of resuming substantial negotiations.
Sovereign rights and international law
Regarding the statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister about the Eastern Mediterranean, Mr. Letymbiotis characterized the Turkish stance as “paradoxical.” He pointed out that Turkey cannot invoke respect for international law while simultaneously violating it in practice.
The Government Spokesman emphasized that the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, as a member state of the European Union, are fully guaranteed and non-negotiable. Ankara must demonstrate practical respect for the principles of international law.
Nicosia reaffirms its commitment to support the Secretary-General’s efforts to return to negotiations with a clear roadmap. As Ms. Holguín emphasized, the responsibility now lies with the two leaders who are called upon to make crucial political decisions. All eyes are turning to New York and September 27, where the possibility of substantial progress on the Cyprus issue will be decided.
