Nicosia: Cyprus leaders must continue meeting to make small joint decisions and explore ideas to restart formal negotiations, beginning in July, says the Personal Envoy of UN Secretary-General Mara Angela Holgun.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Holgun emphasized the importance of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman speaking directly without UN mediation, fostering a new interaction model.
Holgun reflected on her recent joint meeting with the leaders, noting that the idea of direct communication without UN intervention emerged as a promising pathway for future negotiations. The envoy stressed that she will return to the island when she can contribute to a specific step forward, especially when the UN's presence can facilitate decision-making.
In an opinion editorial shared by the UN in Cyprus, Holgun highlighted the need for patience as internal political processes unfold on both sides. She pointed out that parliamentary elections and the presidency of the Council of the European Union in the Republic of Cyprus, alongside the consolidation of new leadership in the north, are crucial factors influencing the negotiation landscape.
Holgun also remarked on the lack of significant progress in trust-building measures, despite commitments made by both sides to the UN Secretary-General in March 2025 in Geneva. During her last meeting with the leaders, the focus was on fostering a frank dialogue to lay the groundwork for substantive negotiations.
The UN envoy underscored the importance of avoiding further disappointments in the lengthy conflict, which has seen numerous failed negotiation attempts. She noted that 2026 would bring significant activity, particularly with the Republic of Cyprus holding the EU Council presidency, which might limit the potential for major changes.
Holgun emphasized the need for careful preparation and understanding of each side's priorities and fears, which began to take shape during the latest meeting. She highlighted the significance of the leaders' direct communication, marking a major step forward in the peace process.
In the coming months, Holgun plans to promote rapprochement between key groups from both communities, following successful initiatives like the Technical Committee on Youth retreat in Amman and meetings with academics in Paphos. She expressed her intent to organize similar initiatives, including bringing together Technical Committees' Co-Chairs in London.
Holgun reaffirmed her commitment to facilitating a new stage of negotiations, with an emphasis on preparation to achieve lasting results. Cyprus remains divided since 1974, with previous UN-led talks failing to resolve the conflict. Recent informal meetings in Geneva and New York have yet to yield significant progress. Holgun, along with former European Commissioner Johannes Hahn, continues to engage with the parties to advance the settlement process.