Nicosia: The Board of British Cypriots has articulated their aspiration for a free and unified Republic of Cyprus within Europe in a letter addressed to the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Cyprus, Mara ngela Holgun Cu©llar. This communication comes ahead of her anticipated meetings with President Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, emphasizing the board’s vision where Cypriots can reside peacefully in their homes and foster renewed trust among communities.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Board urged Holgun to redouble her efforts in line with UN resolutions, particularly advocating for a bizonal, bicommunal federation. Such measures, they argue, would pave the way towards a sustainable and equitable resolution for the island’s long-standing division.
The Board, comprising mainly individuals who have lived as refugees since the Turkish invasion of 1974, conveyed cautious optimism about Cyprus’s reunification prospects. They reflected on the personal losses of properties and lives in cities such as Kyrenia, Morphou, Karpasia, and Famagusta, asserting that despite the passage of time, the yearning for return and reunification endures.
The letter concluded with the hope that Holgun herself may be the first to witness a free and reunited Cyprus after decades of separation.
The Board of British Cypriots, an organization advocating for Cypriot interests in London’s decision-making hubs, aims to strengthen bilateral relations. It has previously addressed similar communications to prominent British government officials, including Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and others engaged in the Cyprus issue, such as MP Emily Thornberry, Chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee.
These letters incorporate historic photographs by Doros Partasides, illustrating the tragedy of missing persons, the Green Line, Famagusta, and Nicosia Airport. They are signed by notable members, including Doros Partasides, Marie Nicolsonby, Antonis Savvides, and others.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Numerous UN-led peace negotiations have yet to succeed due to persistent Turkish resistance, with the last round in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in July 2017 ending without resolution.
The UN Secretary-General announced an informal meeting on Cyprus at the end of July, following a similar gathering in Geneva in March. Both sides agreed to undertake various initiatives, such as opening crossing points and forming a Technical Committee on Youth, to facilitate cooperation across the island.
UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres appointed Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus in early May. Her mission is to reengage with the involved parties to advance the Cyprus issue and provide counsel. Holgun previously served in this role from January to July 2024.
The European Commission has also appointed Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus to aid the settlement process, working closely with Holgun, who is currently in Cyprus for discussions.