Nicosia: Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis announced on Wednesday that President Nikos Christodoulides had a constructive first meeting with Khassim Diagne, the new Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP. The President emphasized his intent for close collaboration with Diagne and the United Nations, particularly concerning efforts towards resuming negotiations within the established framework.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides addressed several issues caused by Turkish actions that remain unresolved, aiming to restart negotiations from where they last paused. The President highlighted concerns regarding the enclaved Cypriots, the detention of five Greek Cypriots in Turkish-occupied areas, the situation in Varosha, and challenges along the Green Line. He assured Diagne of his readiness for regular communication to support his mission in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
Responding to queries, Letymbiotis mentioned the President’s ongoing efforts to arrange a phone call with the new Turkish Cypriot leader, Erhurman, hoping for it to occur soon. He also noted that an official announcement from the UN regarding the visit of Maria Angela Holguin, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus, is anticipated. It is expected that Holguin’s visit will follow the planned meeting with Erhurman, allowing for a new round of diplomatic engagements in Ankara, Athens, London, and Brussels. These are intended to pave the way for an informal multilateral conference before the year’s end.
Letymbiotis added that there are no updates regarding the conference arrangements, pending the finalization of the meeting with Erhurman. He emphasized the Government’s constructive approach over the past two and a half years, despite challenging conditions, and expressed hope to witness genuine political willingness from the Turkish side.
Cyprus has faced division since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern region. Despite numerous UN-led peace negotiations, progress has been stalled due to Turkish intransigence, with the last significant talks in 2017 ending without resolution. Recent informal meetings were held in 2025, with another broader format meeting expected later this year. Holguin is actively engaging with involved parties, alongside former European Commissioner Johannes Hahn, to aid the settlement process collaboratively.