Nicosia: Cyprus’ Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis emphasized the government’s main goal for the forthcoming informal meeting on Cyprus in New York is to preserve and enhance the momentum achieved in the past two years. The objective is to restart substantive negotiations from the point where they previously halted, Letymbiotis stated after President Nikos Christodoulides’ meeting with the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy on Cyprus, Mara Angela Holgun, at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Letymbiotis highlighted the significance of Holgun’s visit to Cyprus before the New York meeting, following her consultations in Ankara, Athens, London, Brussels, and Paris. He noted the exchange of views in preparation for the multilateral conference scheduled for July 16-17 under the UN Secretary-General’s auspices, with ongoing efforts aimed at achieving a favorable outcome at the upcoming conference.
Letymbiotis mentioned that Holguin was scheduled to meet with negotiators from both sides to discuss issues from the previous multilateral meeting, especially focusing on the six thematic areas lacking agreement. Responding to a query about what would constitute a positive outcome in New York, and addressing comments on Holguin’s focus on Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs), Letymbiotis clarified that the UN envoy’s mandate centers around resuming negotiations.
He stressed that while thematic issues and CBMs hold importance, they cannot replace substantive negotiations. The aim is to leverage the progress made over the past two years, moving toward resuming negotiations within the framework of UN Security Council resolutions for a comprehensive Cyprus solution.
Letymbiotis responded to another question about Holguin’s involvement in substantive Cyprus issue discussions, affirming that her mandate allows for such discussions, as evidenced by the composition of the multilateral meeting. He assured that the meeting would be approached with thorough preparation by the President and his team.
Addressing Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar’s remarks, Letymbiotis noted a lack of optimism but emphasized the government’s consistent and responsible approach, which has fostered momentum in the Cyprus issue. He pointed to Holguin’s appointments and the convening of multilateral meetings as evidence of this momentum, stressing that progress comes from diplomatic efforts rather than public statements.
Discussing Holguin’s international engagements, Letymbiotis highlighted her meetings in Brussels and with EU officials. The European dimension, particularly with the European Council Conclusions and Commissioner Johannes Hahn’s appointment, is viewed as potentially catalytic in the UN Secretary-General’s efforts.
According to sources, Holgun is also expected to discuss the potential opening of the Pyroi-Athienou crossing point during her visit to Cyprus. Regarding EU Special Envoy Johannes Hahn’s potential presence in New York, sources noted uncertainty about his invitation, though Cyprus views his involvement positively.
Cyprus has been divided since Turkey’s 1974 invasion and subsequent occupation of its northern third. The informal meeting at the UN headquarters in New York on July 16 and 17, announced by UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, aims to continue dialogue and assess progress since March. Following a similar meeting in Geneva in March, both sides agreed on initiatives like opening crossing points and creating a Technical Committee on Youth.
UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres appointed Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus in early May, tasked with reengaging with the parties and advising on next steps. The European Commission designated Johannes Hahn as Special Envoy for Cyprus to aid the settlement process alongside Holgun.