Nicosia: The meeting between the two leaders will proceed as scheduled on September 9, next Wednesday, while a meeting between the two negotiators is set for Monday, September 7, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis announced on Thursday. He also informed that the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, is expected to arrive in Cyprus after the first ten days of the month.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Letymbiotis briefed the media on Thursday and stated that the developments in the Turkish Cypriot community would not affect the scheduled planning regarding the Cyprus issue. He highlighted that the UN General Assembly continues to be a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts for resolution. He emphasized that the expiration of the UN Secretary-General's mandate in December remains a critical milestone, reiterating the government's unwavering determination.
Letymbiotis pointed out the significance of holding regular leaders' meetings, expressing the government's support and eagerness for their continuation. He noted that Holguin will visit Cyprus to prepare for future engagements, following her meeting with the UN Secretary-General to further coordinate efforts toward convergence ahead of the next expanded conference.
Reiterating the government's position, Letymbiotis expressed profound sorrow over the recent deadly shipwreck and recalled the Greek Cypriot side's immediate readiness to offer assistance. Addressing inquiries regarding the President of the Republic's potential discussion with the Turkish Cypriot leader about the arrest warrants related to the murders of Isaac and Solomou, Letymbiotis clarified that these international arrest warrants do not pertain to the dialogue between the two leaders.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Numerous UN-led peace talks have failed to produce results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest negotiation round, held in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, ended without a conclusion.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term is nearing its end, announced plans to convene another meeting in a broader format after sufficient preparation, yet no specific timeline was provided. He secured consensus from both sides and the guarantor powers. Maria Angela Holguin, Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is charged with engaging the involved parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto serves as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.