London: The United Kingdom government's commitment to a 'just and viable solution' to the Cyprus issue has been reaffirmed by the UK Minister of State for Europe, Stephen Doughty. This statement came in response to a letter from the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom, addressed to the Prime Minister and signed by its President, Christos Karaolis.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the British Minister of State emphasized that resolving the Cyprus issue is the most effective way to address the consequences of the island's division. He referred to the expanded meetings (5+1) held last year, noting 'significant steps' were achieved and expressed hope for renewed momentum in the process under the auspices of the United Nations.
Doughty highlighted that the resumption of substantive negotiations rests with the leaders of the two communities. He pointed out the importance of further progress on confidence-building measures to create the appropriate environment for a comprehensive agreement.
The Minister mentioned the visit of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General to Cyprus in early December and the trilateral meeting on December 11 between the two leaders and the Envoy. It was noted that both sides agreed on the resolution of the Cyprus problem with political equality, as outlined in the UN Security Council Resolutions.
Doughty assured ongoing active engagement with all parties to encourage the necessary flexibility for reaching an agreement. The letter concluded by thanking the Cypriot diaspora for its continued expression of views and concerns regarding the Cyprus issue.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, ended inconclusively.
In 2025, the UN Secretary-General hosted informal meetings on Cyprus in March in Geneva and July in New York. A tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders also occurred in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week. An informal meeting in a broader format expected before the end of 2025 is yet to be announced.
Mara Angela Holgun, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked with engaging with the parties, while former European Commissioner Johannes Hahn, designated by the Commission as Special Envoy for Cyprus, is also expected to contribute to the settlement process in cooperation with Holgun.