Nicosia:President Nikos Christodoulides has expressed his strong disappointment to the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín, regarding her meeting with Turkey's "ambassador" in the occupied territories. This reaction came from a conversation with Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, following a meeting held at the Presidential Palace at Holguín's request.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Letymbiotis mentioned that the brief interaction revisited topics discussed on October 30th and sought clarifications following Holguín's meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhrman. Letymbiotis expressed optimism about potential progress, especially concerning the joint meeting of Holguín and the two leaders scheduled for November 9, 2026, emphasizing the Greek Cypriot side's consistently constructive approach.
Letymbiotis pointed out that the meeting between Holguín and Turkey's "ambassador" conflicts with United Nations Security Council Resolution 550, stressing that UN officials should adhere to Security Council resolutions. He explained that the meeting was requested by the Turkish side to convey a message to Holguín, describing it as an "unacceptable action and an unfortunate moment."
The message, reportedly from Turkey's Deputy Foreign Minister Mehmet Kemal Bozay, was said to facilitate Holguín's continued engagements, including upcoming meetings and the joint meeting on November 9th. Letymbiotis noted that genuine progress hinges on the reaching of agreements.
Nicosia anticipates progress following the November 9th joint meeting, with Letymbiotis underscoring the importance of continued constructive dialogue. He emphasized the preparedness of the Greek Cypriot side to engage constructively, expressing hope for a positive outcome from the joint meeting.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of the island's northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace efforts, a resolution remains elusive. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres plans to convene another meeting in a broader format after adequate preparation, with María Ángela Holguín tasked with engaging the parties.