Nicosia: UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar, is actively continuing her engagements in Cyprus this week as part of her official visit to the island. Holgun is focusing on fostering dialogue among the various parties involved in the ongoing Cyprus issue.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Holgun held meetings yesterday with the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot negotiating teams, headed by Menelaos Menelaou and Gnes Onar, respectively. The discussions are part of her broader efforts to facilitate peace talks and advance the resolution of the long-standing division of Cyprus.
Holgun also engaged with the Technical Committees on Culture and the Environment, indicating a comprehensive approach that includes cultural and environmental considerations in the peace process. Today, she is scheduled to meet with the Technical Committee on Youth and members of the diplomatic community, continuing her diplomatic outreach.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of the northern part of the island. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has remained elusive, largely due to Turkish intransigence. The most recent negotiations, which took place in July 2017 at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, concluded without an agreement.
The UN Secretary-General, Ant³nio Guterres, announced an upcoming informal meeting on Cyprus, scheduled for the end of July, to continue discussions in a broader format. This follows a similar meeting held in Geneva in March. The parties have agreed to pursue various initiatives, including opening crossing points and establishing a Technical Committee on Youth, among others, to promote cooperation across the island.
Holgun’s appointment as Personal Envoy on Cyprus was announced in early May by the UN Secretary-General. Her mandate includes re-engaging with the concerned parties and advising on the next steps for the Cyprus issue. Holgun previously served in this capacity from January to July 2024.
In a related development, the European Commission has appointed Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus. Hahn will work closely with Holgun to support the settlement process and enhance international collaboration towards a peaceful resolution.