New York:Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou emphasized the UN Secretary-General's dedication to resolving the Cyprus issue during discussions in New York, led by President Nikos Christodoulides. He noted the commitment of the UN Secretary-General to exhaust all efforts towards the Cyprus issue until the end of his term.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the objective remains to convene a broader meeting to decide on restarting the Cyprus talks. However, Menelaou pointed out that efforts were hindered by a pattern of obstruction from the Turkish side, referencing the failure to hold a trilateral meeting in New York with the UN Secretary-General, President Christodoulides, and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman.

Government sources informed CNA that President Christodoulides plans to convene a National Council meeting to discuss the latest developments and brief Council members. Menelaou mentioned that while significant preparatory steps have been taken, further progress is necessary, impeded by delays from the Turkish Cypriot side.

Menelaou stated the urgency of advancing the process, asserting that conditions and UN Secretary-General's determination support this. He highlighted the importance of maintaining previous negotiation achievements, particularly those from the 2017 Crans-Montana talks.

The UN Secretary-General's strategy on the Cyprus issue involves a comprehensive approach, addressing all aspects outlined in six points shared in 2017. Menelaou emphasized the need for a solution encompassing all dimensions of the Cyprus problem.

Despite efforts, a trilateral meeting in New York did not occur, with Menelaou citing readiness from the Greek Cypriot side and the UN to extend their stay to facilitate the meeting. The absence of the meeting exemplified ongoing Turkish obstructionism in accelerating necessary steps.

Cyprus has been divided since Turkey's 1974 invasion and occupation of the northern third of the island. Numerous UN-led peace talks have not resolved the conflict due to Turkish intransigence, with the last round in Crans-Montana failing in 2017. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres plans to convene another meeting in a broader format after sufficient preparation, having secured consensus from both sides and guarantor powers. Mar­a Angela Holgu­n, Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus, and Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus, are actively involved in the ongoing efforts.