Nicosia: The date for an informal meeting on the Cyprus issue to be held in New York has been scheduled for immediately after the first fortnight of July, announced President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides. He noted that official announcements from the United Nations are forthcoming.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides shared that the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, will visit Cyprus ahead of the new meeting. The President emphasized the efforts being made to achieve a positive result from the discussions.
President Christodoulides, speaking to journalists at the offices of the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, confirmed that the meeting dates had been agreed upon and that the United Nations would provide relevant announcements. When asked about the specific dates, he refrained from confirming any and advised waiting for the UN’s official communication.
The President highlighted the significance of Holguin’s upcoming meetings in London and Brussels, including one with the President of the European Council. He mentioned that these discussions are crucial for the progress of the Cyprus issue. Holguin’s visit to Cyprus is expected to set the stage for the informal meeting, with the aim of achieving a positive resolution.
Addressing questions about the expectations from the New York meeting, President Christodoulides acknowledged the challenges posed by the ongoing election process in the Turkish-occupied territories. He chose not to engage with the comments made by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, attributing them to the election campaign. However, he expressed confidence in the UN Secretary-General’s plans for the meeting’s broader format.
Regarding the potential involvement of the European Commission Special Envoy for Cyprus, Johannes Hahn, in the New York negotiations, President Christodoulides deferred to future developments. He noted that Hahn would have discussions with Holguin and the President of the European Council, emphasizing the EU’s interest in the Cyprus problem and the framework for a possible solution.
The President further commented on Turkey’s interest in the European Union, referencing discussions between the Turkish and French Presidents. He underscored that the EU-Turkey relations form a key aspect of Hahn’s work.
President Christodoulides also announced his intention to invite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to a regional meeting under Cyprus’ EU Presidency. He expressed a desire to strengthen EU relations with the region and welcomed Turkey’s participation in discussions on regional developments.
When questioned about inviting other leaders, including Pope Leo XIV, President Christodoulides stated that plans were still under discussion. The focus of Cyprus’ EU Presidency will remain on the wider Middle East region, aiming to enhance coordination with EU leaders for effective outcomes.
UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres has scheduled an informal meeting on Cyprus for the end of July, following a previous meeting in March. The initiatives agreed upon include opening crossing points and creating a Technical Committee on Youth. Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar has been appointed as the Personal Envoy on Cyprus, tasked with reengaging parties for progress on the issue. The European Commission designated Johannes Hahn as Special Envoy for Cyprus to support the settlement process in collaboration with Holguin.