Nicosia: Greek Cypriot negotiator, Menelaos Menelaou, and Turkish Cypriot leader's representative, Mehmet Dana, engaged in a two-hour in-depth discussion on all issues arising from the recent visit of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to Cyprus. This meeting was held in anticipation of the upcoming talks between the two leaders of Cyprus, President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman, scheduled for August 26.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a competent source revealed that while the meeting was constructive, it did not yield any new outcomes that would alter the current situation. The source elaborated that there have been no developments regarding the opening of new crossing points, although discussions on convergences are ongoing.
The Greek Cypriot side suggested intensifying meetings in the near future to prepare for an informal 5+1 meeting, proposing that the two leaders meet once or twice a week. The Turkish Cypriot side also showed readiness for more frequent meetings, yet no concrete results emerged from the talks.
No further meetings between the negotiators have been scheduled before the leaders' meeting on August 26. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous rounds of UN-led peace talks, a resolution remains elusive.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, nearing the end of his term, announced plans to convene another meeting in a broader format after adequate preparation, though a timeline has not been provided. He has gained consensus from both sides and the guarantor powers. Mara Angela Holgun has been appointed as Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus to engage with the parties, while Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto serves as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.