Nicosia: The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, expressed on Sunday his readiness for his upcoming meeting in Nicosia with the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, Maria Angela Holguin, stating that “we have some concrete ideas on how to proceed.”
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides also addressed the ongoing issue of five Greek Cypriots who are being detained in the occupied areas, stating that a message has been sent at a bilateral level to the White House. Speaking to journalists at a memorial service for former President of the House of Representatives and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alekos Michaelides, the President emphasized the significance of Holguin’s visit to Cyprus ahead of the UN General Assembly, where a meeting with the UN Secretary-General and the Turkish Cypriot leader is scheduled.
He acknowledged the delays in Holguin’s visit due to personal reasons but highlighted that her arrival indicates the UN Secretary-General’s political will for positive developments in resuming negotiations. The visit of Alain Berset, Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, to Cyprus is also seen as crucial, especially considering the illegal detention of the five Greek Cypriots by Turkey.
President Christodoulides underscored the importance of ongoing discussions and efforts directed towards Turkey, which he holds responsible for the situation due to its occupation of the Republic of Cyprus. He expressed hope that this “piratical act” would end soon, with efforts underway in various directions, including messages sent by US Senators.
Despite challenges, the President remains committed to resolving the Cyprus issue, noting that the current state cannot define the future of the country. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Previous UN-led peace talks have stalled, but efforts continue, with a second informal meeting on Cyprus held in New York in 2025, and another meeting anticipated later this year.
The two sides are discussing various issues, including opening crossing points and a solar energy project in the buffer zone. The European Commission has also appointed Johannes Hahn as Special Envoy for Cyprus to support the settlement process alongside Holguin.
The five Greek Cypriots were arrested in the Turkish-occupied village of Trikomo on July 19, charged with “illegal entry” by the illegal regime. Their detention has been condemned by the Cyprus government and the European Union, which does not recognize the self-proclaimed state in northern Cyprus or its judicial system.