New York: The Cyprus issue was among the topics the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis discussed Tuesday with UN Secretary-General, Ant³nio Guterres, at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Mitsotakis welcomed the Secretary-General’s efforts to resume peace talks for a Cyprus solution. He also acknowledged the reappointment of Mara ngela Holgun Cu©llar as the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus and expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General for his good offices.
During the meeting, they also covered Greece’s priorities during its term on the UN Security Council (2025-2026) and discussed international and regional developments, particularly focusing on the situations in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon. The Greek Prime Minister emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the protection of civilians, and the initiation of efforts to these ends.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have yet to produce results, with Turkish intransigence cited as a major obstacle. The latest negotiations, which took place in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, concluded without resolution.
The UN Secretary-General announced an informal meeting on Cyprus, to be held at the end of July, following a similar gathering in Geneva on March 17-18. The two sides have agreed to pursue various initiatives, including opening crossing points, establishing a Technical Committee on Youth, and other activities in the buffer zone and across the island.
Ant³nio Guterres announced in early May the appointment of Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus, tasked with reengaging with the parties to work on next steps and advise him. Holgun previously served as Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on Cyprus from January to July 2024.
The European Commission has appointed Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus to aid in the settlement process, working closely with Holgun.