Nicosia: The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, emphasized the importance of working with the two sides in Cyprus and the guarantor powers to ensure the success of a forthcoming informal 5+1 meeting. This announcement was made during a press conference in New York, where Guterres reflected on the urgency of finding solutions in the changing and volatile region of Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Guterres highlighted his intention to convene another 5+1 meeting after adequate preparations focusing on confidence building, methodology, and substance. He reiterated that the meeting's success would depend on well-prepared discussions and the conditions created in consultation with the involved parties.
The division of Cyprus dates back to 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of the northern third of the island. Previous UN-led peace talks have not been successful due to various challenges, including Turkish intransigence. The last significant discussions took place in July 2017 in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ending without resolution.
As Guterres' term approaches its end, he announced plans for a broader meeting with both sides and the guarantor powers' consensus. Mara Angela Holgun, Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked with engaging the parties, while Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto has been appointed as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding Johannes Hahn.