Nicosia: Cyprus' Government Spokesperson, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, emphasized the need for Turkey to return to the negotiating table and realign itself with the United Nations framework. This statement came as a response to comments made by Maria Angela Holgun, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy on Cyprus, during an interview with Politis newspaper, where she highlighted that the future of the peace effort largely depends on the leaders involved, without explicitly mentioning Turkey's role.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Letymbiotis insisted that genuine political will from all parties involved is crucial for the UN Secretary-General's efforts to lead to tangible progress and a resumption of negotiations. He noted the significance of the UN Secretary-General's recent visit to Cyprus, where discussions with both the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhrman, took place. Letymbiotis reiterated the necessity for Turkey, as an occupying force, to align itself with the resolutions of the UN Security Council, which form the basis of the UN Secretary-General's mandate.
Letymbiotis further detailed ongoing efforts to work closely with Holgun in the peace process. A meeting between President Christodoulides and Erhrman is scheduled for August 26, where confidence-building measures are expected to be discussed. The UN Secretary-General's proposal to open additional crossing points has already been accepted by President Christodoulides, signaling a step towards progress.
The spokesperson emphasized the importance of Turkey's involvement in the negotiations and described the UN Secretary-General's intention to convene a new expanded conference as a potential turning point for addressing the Cyprus issue substantively. Letymbiotis highlighted the need for the European Union's greater involvement in the UN-led efforts and mentioned Cyprus' strengthening of its diplomatic, economic, and defense capabilities to enhance its negotiating leverage.
In her interview with Politis, Holgun urged the leaders to engage directly and regularly, emphasizing that sustained direct engagement and credible actions could unblock progress. She noted that fear of change and lack of political will are major obstacles. Holgun stressed the importance of confidence-building measures, substance, and methodology in the peace process and cautioned against a failed 5+1 meeting.
Holgun also discussed the potential positive impact of progress in Cyprus on EU-Turkey relations and highlighted the importance of public engagement and accurate information dissemination in the peace process. She pointed out the challenges of preparing for negotiations privately in Cyprus, where speculation can harm the process.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Previous UN-led peace talks have failed primarily due to Turkish intransigence, with the last negotiations in Crans-Montana in 2017 ending without resolution. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres plans to convene another broader meeting with adequate preparation, supported by both parties and guarantor powers, with Holgun leading engagement efforts.