Nicosia: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has announced plans for a new 5+1 meeting focused on resolving the Cyprus issue, following comprehensive preparations on confidence-building, methodology, and substantive matters. The announcement was made after Guterres met with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman at the United Nations Protected Area at Nicosia airport.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Guterres emphasized the necessity of thorough preparation to ensure the effectiveness of the meeting. He noted the consensus among both parties and the guarantor powers, which include Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. Guterres highlighted that no specific deadline has been set for the meeting, but stressed the importance of achieving tangible results, stating, "I don't want to have more five-plus-one meetings without results." The UN Secretary-General underlined the critical nature of a solution for Cyprus, not only for maintaining peace on the island but also as a stabilizing factor in an increasingly unstable region.
Guterres reported that both leaders expressed their commitment to collaborating with his personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, to move forward. He stated, "Based on our discussions on the way forward, I decided that I would convene another 5+1 meeting, after adequate preparations on confidence building, methodology, and substance, taking into account the convergences already achieved." He also mentioned the vital role of the international community in the Cyprus issue and expressed his reliance on the continued support of the guarantor countries.
The Secretary-General called for intensified efforts to rebuild trust and implement confidence-building measures that can impact the daily lives of all Cypriots. He noted that his envoy has been engaging with the parties and building on past UN efforts and feedback from Cypriots. Throughout his visit, Guterres had the opportunity to hear directly from many Cypriots who expressed their desire for progress and cooperation.
Guterres reiterated the UN's long-standing commitment to assisting both Greek and Turkish Cypriots in reaching a comprehensive, sustainable solution. He recalled previous efforts and meetings in various cities, affirming his dedication to supporting the people of Cyprus in their pursuit of peace. He stressed the importance of respecting the mandate and authority of UN Peacekeeping Operations in Cyprus (UNFICYP), which has been essential in maintaining calm and stability for over six decades.
The Secretary-General also praised the Committee on Missing Persons and the bicommunal technical committees for their efforts in addressing concerns and finding practical solutions. Responding to questions from journalists, Guterres confirmed that the 5+1 meeting would proceed with consensus and adequate preparation. He expressed optimism for a successful meeting, saying, "I want a successful five-plus-one meeting in order to pave the way for a solution to be achieved."
In addressing the broader regional implications, Guterres noted that a solution to the Cyprus problem would contribute significantly to regional stability and reduce vulnerabilities in a region fraught with persistent conflicts. He concluded his visit to Cyprus following the press conference.