Brussels: President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, engaged in a telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, ahead of the upcoming June European Council. During this conversation, Christodoulides briefed Costa on the outcomes of the recent interactions conducted by Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, in Cyprus. He emphasized the significance of the European Union’s active role in resolving the Cyprus issue.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a written statement by Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis indicated that the telephone conversation also covered other agenda items for the European Council, such as the ongoing situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. Letymbiotis further detailed that Christodoulides highlighted the recent results of Holguin’s efforts, in anticipation of the multilateral conference on Cyprus scheduled for July. The President reaffirmed Nicosia’s dedication to resuming substantial discussions under UN auspices, adhering to the agreed framework, and respecting relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
In his discussions, President Christodoulides underscored the necessity for greater European Union involvement in resolving the Cyprus problem, noting the pivotal role that EU Special Representative for Cyprus, Johannes Hahn, can play in the process, as concluded by Letymbiotis.
The division of Cyprus dates back to 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace negotiations, progress has been hindered by Turkish intransigence. The last significant talks, held in July 2017 at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ended without resolution.
The UN Secretary-General has announced an informal meeting on Cyprus in late July, following a similar meeting in Geneva in March. The parties have agreed to various initiatives, including opening crossing points and forming a Technical Committee on Youth, to foster cooperation in the buffer zone and across the island.
Earlier in May, UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres appointed Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus, tasked with reengaging the parties and advising on next steps. Holgun previously served in this role from January to July 2024. The European Commission has also appointed Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus, to aid in the settlement process alongside Holgun.