New York:UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres is committed to making progress on the Cyprus issue before his term ends and considers it feasible to convene another expanded meeting on the subject, according to informed sources.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Turkish side is reportedly open to the idea of such a meeting, although no significant change in its stance has been observed. Guterres has positively responded to new ideas and proposals from President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, which could serve as a basis for further progress.
President Christodoulides has expressed his willingness to stay in New York longer if conditions for a joint meeting arise. The other side will be consulted, and arrangements will be made based on its response.
Additionally, the Secretary-General has praised Cyprus for its regional role and contributions to managing crises, expressing gratitude for its initiatives and noting the excellent cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern region. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, no resolution has been reached, largely due to Turkish intransigence. The last negotiations in July 2017 ended without success. Guterres has announced plans for a broader meeting, with no set timeline, after securing consensus from both sides and guarantor powers. His Personal Envoy, Mara Angela Holgun, will engage with the parties, while Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto serves as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus.