Nicosia: President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Christodoulides, is set to attend the forthcoming trilateral meeting in New York, with genuine intent to support the mission of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin. The aim is to facilitate the resumption of direct negotiations towards resolving the Cyprus issue, as stated by Deputy Government Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Antoniou delivered a memorial speech at the Metropolitan Church of Apostolos Varnavas in Kokkinotrimithia, emphasizing the objective of transforming the Republic of Cyprus into a modern European state. This would involve a state free from occupation troops, without any external guarantors with intervention rights, and enabling its residents to live and prosper in a secure and prosperous environment.
Antoniou highlighted the government’s commitment to reversing the current status quo and eliminating occupation forces, focusing on a viable and secure future for the nation. He acknowledged the challenges faced, stressing that it has never been easy for their side.
He also credited the UN Secretary-General’s appointment of a Personal Envoy and the convening of informal meetings on the Cyprus issue to the persistent efforts of the Cypriot President. The Greek Cypriot side remains supportive of these efforts and initiatives, with President Christodoulides attending the upcoming trilateral meeting with a sincere approach to facilitating Holguin’s mission and moving towards direct negotiations.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Previous UN-led peace talks have yet to achieve a resolution, attributable to Turkish intransigence. The last negotiation attempt in 2017 at Crans-Montana was inconclusive.
A second informal meeting on Cyprus occurred in New York on July 16-17, 2025, with another meeting planned later in the year. These initiatives, as agreed by the parties, were recognized by UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres as a commitment to continuing dialogue. Guterres has also announced a joint meeting with Cyprus leaders during the General Assembly high-level week in September.
The ongoing discussions between the two sides cover issues like crossing points and a solar energy project in the buffer zone. Additionally, cooperation on exchanging cultural artifacts is on the agenda, with Maria Angela Holgun continuing her efforts.
The European Commission has designated Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus to aid the settlement process, working closely with Holgun.