Nicosia: No 3+1 or 5+1 meeting on the Cyprus issue is expected to take place on the margins of the UN General Assembly, as confirmed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He emphasized that while significant work remains, there is a commitment to advancing the situation.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Guterres addressed questions during a press conference preceding UNGA81. He was asked whether conditions set in July for a potential 3+1 or 5+1 meeting had been met following discussions with his Personal Envoy for Cyprus. Guterres clarified that such meetings would not occur during the UNGA's margins.

Guterres highlighted the United Nations' ongoing commitment to facilitating a successful meeting in the future. He reiterated the necessity of creating conducive conditions to ensure productive outcomes when the meeting eventually takes place.

Guterres emphasized the importance of avoiding past mistakes, noting that the UN must not replicate previous unsuccessful strategies. Cyprus has faced division since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern region. Despite numerous UN-led peace efforts, a resolution has yet to be achieved, with the last negotiations in Crans-Montana in 2017 ending without agreement.

As his term nears its conclusion, Guterres expressed his intention to organize another meeting with a broader format following sufficient preparation, though he did not specify a timeline. His Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Mar­a Angela Holgu­n, is charged with engaging the involved parties.