Paphos: Achieving a just solution to the Cyprus problem, without guarantors and in line with the European acquis and international law, presents challenges but is not impossible, according to Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis. Speaking on Sunday during a memorial service in the village of Yiolou in the Paphos district, Letymbiotis emphasized that the demand for a modern, European state is fair and continues to be supported with fair arguments, consistency, and courage.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Letymbiotis recalled that upon assuming office, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides launched an intense diplomatic campaign. This effort led to the appointment of a United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) Personal Envoy and a special envoy by the European Commission for the Cyprus problem. The spokesman highlighted that resolving the Cyprus issue is the government’s top priority and is being promoted in all European and international forums.
Letymbiotis noted that the extensive diplomatic efforts aim to break the deadlock and overcome Turkish intransigence, with the sole objective of resuming peace talks from where they left off in 2017. He also paid tribute to the heroes of the Yiolou community, stressing the obligation to continue the struggle for liberation.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Multiple rounds of UN-led peace talks have yet to yield substantial results. The most recent negotiations, held in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, ended without a conclusive agreement.
The UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres announced plans for an informal meeting on Cyprus at the end of July, following a similar meeting in Geneva in March. The two sides have agreed to proceed with several initiatives, including the opening of crossing points and the creation of a Technical Committee on Youth, among other initiatives in the buffer zone and across the island.
In early May, Guterres appointed Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus, tasked with reengaging with the parties to work on the next steps and advising him on the Cyprus issue. Holgun previously served as Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on Cyprus from January to July 2024.
The European Commission has appointed Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus to contribute to the settlement process, working closely with Holgun.