Nicosia: Leaders and representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties, engaged in bicommunal dialogue facilitated by the Embassy of the Slovak Republic, have urged their respective community leaders to permit the United Nations to disclose the convergences achieved in the Cyprus negotiations thus far.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a joint communique released after a meeting at the Ledra Palace Hotel emphasized the importance of transparency in the negotiations. The communique stated that publicizing the United Nations-documented convergences would help the public understand the progress made towards a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue and highlight the potential for a shared European future for all Cypriots.
During the meeting, the parties discussed a topic presented by the hosting party, United Democrats, titled ‘Renewed hope for Cyprus! Let’s grasp this new opportunity to bring about an agreed solution to the Cyprus problem which has so far put on hold the lives of at least three generations of Cypriots. Let’s release the opportunities for a brighter future for us and generations of Cypriots to come.’
The political representatives exchanged views on this issue, focusing on the mandate received by the new Turkish Cypriot Leader. They also proposed ways in which new Confidence Building Measures and the resumption of meaningful negotiations could lead to a comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus problem.
The joint statement reiterated the request for leaders to allow the UN to publicize the negotiation convergences, emphasizing the need for political will and accountability to overcome the economic and social costs borne by three generations of Cypriots due to the unresolved Cyprus problem.
The next meeting of these political leaders and representatives is scheduled for 3 December 2025, with VOLT Cyprus hosting.
Cyprus remains divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of the northern third of the island. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has remained elusive. The most recent negotiations in 2017 at Crans-Montana ended without success.
In 2025, informal meetings were held in Geneva and New York, with a tripartite meeting taking place at the UN General Assembly High-Level Week. An expanded informal meeting is anticipated later this year.
The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Mara Angela Holgun, is working with the parties, and former European Commissioner Johannes Hahn, appointed as the Special Envoy for Cyprus by the Commission, is expected to assist in the settlement efforts alongside Holgun.