Nicosia: Khassim Diagne, the UNSG's Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), announced on Tuesday that recent months have seen cautious but meaningful developments in the Cyprus peace process. Speaking at the EU Policy Forum, marking the 20-year EU aid program for the Turkish Cypriot community at the Ledra Palace Hotel in Nicosia's buffer zone, Diagne emphasized the UN's commitment to facilitating a Cypriot-led and Cypriot-owned process toward a comprehensive settlement.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Diagne highlighted a greater willingness and commitment by the leaders of the divided island since October 2025. He noted their engagement in dialogue and consensus-building on trust measures, as well as their cooperation on various matters that bridge the divide. Diagne praised the outcomes of the leaders' latest meeting, where they reached a framework agreement for civil society engagement, planned improvements for religious services, coordinated efforts against food and mouth disease, and addressed economic issues such as protected designations of origin.
Diagne stressed that these incremental steps are significant, underscoring the importance of sustained engagement for a meaningful political process. He noted the full investment of the UN Secretary-General and his personal envoy, Mara ngela Holgun Cu©llar, in building on recent positive developments to enable substantive political discussions in the coming months.
The United Nations' peacekeeping force in Cyprus remains committed to working closely with the Personal Envoy and supporting the advancement of the peace process. Diagne assured that UNFICYP would continue collaborating with both sides to maintain calm and stability in the buffer zone, minimizing incidents that could distract leaders from the broader political process.
Addressing the celebration of Europe Day, Diagne highlighted its significance in Cyprus, where the EU project aligns with the search for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue. He marked the 20th anniversary of the EU Aid Program for the Turkish community, acknowledging its contributions to improving livelihoods, strengthening civil society, and supporting bi-communal cooperation across the island.
Greek Cypriot Negotiator Menelaos Menelaou spoke of a gradual path toward a consensual governance model, emphasizing the importance of addressing pressing questions about Cyprus's future. He reflected on past efforts to achieve a political settlement, noting the convergence achieved across core chapters and the dynamics developing at the grassroots level.
Menelaou stressed Cyprus's capacity as an EU member state and its role in sustaining the prospect of reunification. He highlighted the EU Aid Program's contributions to cooperation and shared activities among communities, urging continued efforts for reunification.
Turkish Cypriot Special Representative Mehmet Dana acknowledged the EU aid program's significant contributions over the past two decades, including support for infrastructure, education, environmental protection, and confidence-building initiatives. Dana emphasized the need for the international community, particularly the EU, to continue building trust between the two sides to achieve a settlement.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite repeated UN-led peace talks, a resolution remains elusive. The most recent round of negotiations ended inconclusively in 2017. In 2025, informal meetings hosted by the Secretary-General took place, with Mara Angela Holgun tasked with engaging the parties.