Nicosia: The World Conference of Overseas Cypriots has made a call to the United Kingdom, European Union, and the United States to increase their diplomatic efforts towards initiating meaningful negotiations. They urge these international bodies to use their influence on Turkey to abandon its partitionist stance and contribute actively to resolving the Cyprus issue.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Overseas Cypriots gathered in Nicosia from August 26 to 29, 2025, to deliberate on the Cyprus issue among other topics. They reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Cypriot Diaspora and Hellenism to the struggle for freedom and justice for the Cypriot people.
In a resolution concerning the Cyprus issue, the Diaspora welcomed the EU’s appointment of a Special Envoy for Cyprus and expressed their gratitude for the EU’s highest institutional representatives’ support for a solution that aligns with EU norms and regulations.
Representatives from POMAK, PSEKA, and NEPOMAK condemned the ongoing 51-year occupation of approximately 37% of Cyprus by Turkey, calling for the immediate withdrawal of Turkish forces. They also urged Turkey to fully comply with the binding judgments of the European Court of Human Rights and respect the property and human rights of displaced persons.
The World Conference pressed Turkey to cooperate in determining the fate of missing persons and to provide full information to their families. Overseas Cypriots emphasized that a viable, functional, and democratic settlement of the Cyprus issue, based on UN Security Council Resolutions, would benefit all Cypriots and contribute to peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. Such a settlement would also align with the geostrategic interests of the EU and its partners.
They affirmed that any resolution must adhere to the UN framework and be consistent with the European acquis and EU principles and values. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Previous UN-led peace talks have failed, with the most recent in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ending without resolution due to Turkish intransigence.
In July 2025, a second informal Cyprus meeting took place in New York, and another is anticipated later this year. UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres announced plans to meet with Cyprus leaders during the General Assembly high-level week in September to continue the dialogue. Both sides in Cyprus are in discussions on issues such as opening crossing points and a solar energy installation in the buffer zone. They agreed to cooperate on exchanging cultural artifacts, while UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Maria Angela Holgun, continues her efforts.
The European Commission appointed Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus to aid the settlement process in collaboration with Holgun.