Nicosia: The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, in his latest report on the mission of good offices in Cyprus, has urged leaders of the two communities to seize the 'current window of opportunity for making progress,' emphasizing that it 'should not be taken for granted.' The report highlights the ongoing dialogue between Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhrman as positive, but notes that many agreed trust-building initiatives remain unimplemented, potentially jeopardizing a lasting solution.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Guterres observed that the increased discourse between the two leaders shows a commitment to building a relationship based on trust and seeking a path forward. He praised their agreement on a framework for a consultative body to engage civil society in the peace process, describing it as a significant step towards a more inclusive process. However, he expressed concerns over the failure to implement several trust-building initiatives agreed upon in March and July 2025, such as opening additional crossing points, which could improve daily life for Cypriots and demonstrate political will to progress.
Guterres called for continued constructive engagement from the leaders, alongside his Personal Envoy, Mara ngela Holgun, to resume negotiations aiming for a comprehensive settlement. He stressed the importance of determination in crafting a future together that respects the interests and rights of all Cypriots, echoing the Security Council's call for openness, flexibility, and compromise.
The report also emphasized the importance of integrating women, youth, and underrepresented groups into the peace process. Guterres commended efforts towards gender parity in technical committees and urged the implementation of a 2022 action plan on women's participation in the settlement process.
On the security front, Guterres expressed concern over unilateral actions in and around the buffer zone that undermine the peace process. He reiterated the UN's unchanged stance on Varosha and urged both sides to facilitate movement through crossing points and implement the Green Line Regulation to boost intra-island trade and cooperation.
The Secretary-General welcomed the leaders' agreement to plan religious services, acknowledging the historical role of religious leaders in supporting dialogue. The report detailed engagements by Guterres and Holgun with Cypriot leaders and international stakeholders to foster a negotiated solution.
Progress on trust-building initiatives was mixed, with advancements in civil society engagement but stagnation in areas like new crossing points and environmental initiatives. The report highlighted regional tensions due to military deployments and a foot and mouth disease outbreak affecting both communities.
The UN mission promoted intra-island contacts, cooperation, and trust-building through numerous meetings and active technical committees. These committees tackled various issues, including cultural heritage preservation, economic exchanges, and gender equality.
The report concluded with Guterres reaffirming his commitment to guiding the peace process and urging all parties to engage constructively, recognizing the important role they play. He emphasized that while trust-building measures are vital, they cannot replace comprehensive negotiations essential for lasting peace and prosperity in Cyprus.