Nicosia: The European Union’s increased and more active involvement in efforts to resume negotiations for a Cyprus solution is expected to add significant value to the initiatives of the United Nations Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, according to Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Letymbiotis made these remarks following a meeting at the Presidential Palace between President Christodoulides and the European Commission’s special envoy, Johannes Hahn. The meeting was described as long and constructive, following Hahn’s crucial appointment. Discussions focused on the next steps to support the UN Secretary-General’s efforts in anticipation of an upcoming multilateral meeting on Cyprus, scheduled for July in New York.
The Spokesperson emphasized the importance of aligning the progress on the Cyprus issue with EU-Turkish relations, as outlined in the European Council’s conclusions in April 2024. When asked about Hahn’s potential meetings with Turkish officials or Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, Letymbiotis confirmed that Hahn is in contact with the Turkish government to arrange a meeting, though a meeting with Tatar has not yet occurred.
Letymbiotis highlighted that Turkish Cypriots enjoy EU privileges as European citizens and citizens of the Republic of Cyprus and expressed that an EU meeting with them would be beneficial. He further clarified Hahn’s role, indicating that he reports directly to the President of the European Commission, with Turkey placing importance on its relationship progress with the EU.
President Christodoulides reiterated that progress on issues of interest to Turkey is contingent upon advancement on the Cyprus issue. A joint letter from the Commission and Council Heads at the Geneva meeting emphasized this linkage.
In response to questions about the upcoming informal meeting in New York, Letymbiotis acknowledged the lack of progress in some areas agreed upon during the Geneva meeting. However, he noted the establishment of a Technical Committee on Youth as a positive development since the Turkish Cypriot leader initially opposed it.
Letymbiotis stressed the importance of dialogue on substantive issues to resume negotiations and mentioned ongoing preparations for the multilateral meeting. While details about Johannes Hahn’s presence and role in New York remain to be clarified, Letymbiotis assured that announcements will be made in due course.
Regarding the final dates for the New York meeting, Letymbiotis stated they are in contact with the UN Secretariat, awaiting a response from Turkey. He expressed confidence that the meeting will proceed as planned.
Hahn, appointed last May, will report to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and contribute to the settlement process within the United Nations Framework in close cooperation with Maria Angela Holguin.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, with Turkey occupying its northern third. Despite multiple UN-led peace talks, a resolution has remained elusive, largely due to Turkish intransigence. The most recent negotiations in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ended without conclusion. An informal meeting on Cyprus is scheduled for late July, following a similar gathering in Geneva on March 17-18.