Nicosia: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres engaged in a phone conversation with his Personal Envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, discussing the latest developments on the Cyprus issue, President Nikos Christodoulides announced.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides, speaking in Nicosia, emphasized ongoing preparations aimed at achieving significant progress during the upcoming UN General Assembly week, potentially facilitating the resumption of stalled negotiations. He highlighted the strengthening of Cyprus-US relations, marked by the renewal of the lifting of the US arms embargo until 2027, as a testament to the highest level of cooperation between the two countries.
Addressing reporters during his visit to Agios Dometios Gymnasium, the President described the US decision as a 'clear message' of the growing relationship, particularly in defence and security sectors. He mentioned ongoing discussions with the US about purchasing defence equipment and modernizing the Republic of Cyprus's infrastructure, notably at the Andreas Papandreou Air Base. He also noted an unprecedented development where Cypriots are now studying at US military academies, underscoring the exceptional level of cooperation.
In response to queries about the conversation between Guterres and Holguin, President Christodoulides confirmed the call took place and that a preliminary briefing was received. However, he refrained from disclosing details of the discussion's outcome. He assured that preparations were progressing, with negotiators meeting to achieve results during the UN General Assembly week, aiming for an announcement on resuming negotiations.
Cyprus has remained divided since Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third in 1974. Repeated UN-led peace talks have yet to yield results, largely due to Turkish intransigence. The last round of negotiations in July 2017 at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ended without resolution. As his term nears its end, Guterres announced plans for another broader format meeting, contingent on adequate preparation, with consensus from both sides and guarantor powers. Mara Angela Holgun is tasked with engaging the parties, while Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto serves as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus.