Nicosia: The UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, expressed optimism after her meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides on Monday, indicating that efforts are ongoing to achieve tangible progress next week. “We had a very good meeting with Mr. Christodoulides, and this morning I also met with Mr. Tatar. We are working hard to achieve some results for next week. I will continue working this afternoon and on Wednesday afternoon with the negotiators,” she told journalists after their meeting at the Presidential Palace.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Holguin added that she believed something important could be achieved, noting discussions on stronger measures for the future during the morning meeting. She expressed hope for a successful meeting next week. When queried about the possibility of opening a new crossing point, Holguin briefly responded, “we are going to work on that this afternoon.”
Cyprus has faced division since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. The informal meeting, scheduled to take place at the UN headquarters in New York on July 16 and 17, was announced by Stephane Dujarric, the Spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General. Dujarric mentioned that the meeting would provide an opportunity to continue dialogue and exchange views on progress made since March.
After a similar meeting in Geneva on March 17-18, both parties agreed to proceed with various initiatives, including the opening of crossing points, establishing a Technical Committee on Youth, and other initiatives in the buffer zone and throughout the island.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced in early May the appointment of Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus. Her task is to reengage with the parties to work on next steps regarding the Cyprus issue and advise him. Holgun completed a previous assignment as Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on Cyprus from January to July 2024.
In parallel, the European Commission designated Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus. Hahn is expected to contribute to the settlement process in close cooperation with Holgun.