Nicosia: We are ready for positive developments in New York that will lead to the resumption of the Cyprus talks, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, stated on Thursday evening. He noted that he sees the visit to Cyprus by UNSG Personal Envoy Maria Angela Holguin as a positive development.
According to Cyprus News Agency, upon his arrival at Aradippou municipality for the inauguration ceremony of a Photovoltaic Park, the President expressed optimism about Holguin’s visit. He remarked, “I consider it positive that Holguin is coming to Cyprus, even though a personal matter arose and she had to postpone her visit previously.”
The President highlighted that Holguin’s presence in Cyprus indicates “the strong will, the political commitment of the UN Secretary General to have positive developments.” He added that the country is prepared for developments that will lead to the resumption of talks.
Furthermore, the President addressed the European Parliament resolution demanding the release of five Greek Cypriots detained by the occupation regime in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus. He shared that he communicated with the President of the European Parliament, who noted the overwhelming support for the resolution.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite repeated UN-led peace talks, results have been elusive due to Turkish intransigence. The last negotiations, in July 2017 at Crans-Montana, ended without a conclusion.
A second informal meeting on Cyprus took place in New York on July 16-17, 2025, following an earlier meeting in March in Geneva. Another meeting is expected later this year to follow up on initiatives agreed by the parties. UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres announced plans to meet jointly with Cyprus leaders during the General Assembly high-level week in September.
Discussions between the two sides in Cyprus continue on various issues, including crossing points and a solar energy installation in the buffer zone, and cooperation on exchanging cultural artifacts. Maria Angela Holgun will persist in her efforts as the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus.
The European Commission appointed Johannes Hahn as Special Envoy for Cyprus to aid the settlement process, working closely with Holgun. Meanwhile, five Greek Cypriots arrested on July 19 in the Turkish-occupied village of Trikomo continue to face illegal detention and charges from the ‘authorities’ of the unrecognized regime.
The Cyprus government condemned the arrests, calling for the immediate release of the five. A European Commission spokesperson reiterated that the EU does not recognize the self-proclaimed state in northern Cyprus or its judicial system.