The public intervention by UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín regarding efforts to advance the Cyprus issue has triggered expected reactions from both sides. While the government reaffirmed its commitment to convening an informal multilateral meeting, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman insisted that no concrete plan currently exists, only ideas under discussion.
The public intervention of the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín, regarding the efforts being undertaken by the United Nations on the Cyprus issue has sparked broad debate and reactions from all sides.
The envoy of the UN Secretary-General sought to send a message of optimism concerning preparations for the convening of a multilateral conference on Cyprus. At the same time, however, she warned of the possibility that the current momentum could be lost entirely if the parties fail to demonstrate a willingness to make political compromises.
In essence, through her extensive statement, María Ángela Holguín:
- rejects the perception that time works in favour of either side while sending messages to both leaders in Cyprus;
- implies that there are political forces consciously maintaining the deadlock;
- calls for more active involvement by the European Union;
- effectively signals that UN Secretary-General António Guterres is considering the next phase of the process;
- and, above all, warns that without political courage there is no longer room for managing the Cyprus problem.
“No Reason for Panic”
Against the backdrop of Holguín's clearly worded statement, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman maintained yesterday that there is currently no concrete plan on the table, only ideas under discussion.
Responding to reactions within the Turkish Cypriot community following Holguín's intervention, Erhürman recalled in a social media post that he had been saying for months that movement on the Cyprus issue would emerge from July onwards, following the parliamentary elections and the conclusion of Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
He said that he supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and added that, as he has previously stated, "there is currently no plan, only some ideas."
The Turkish Cypriot leader further stated that he has kept "the council of political parties, trade unions, the youth coordination office and business organisations" informed, pledging continuous and timely updates to Turkish Cypriots.
He also assured that Turkish Cypriots would not become "instruments of provocations, regardless of where they originate from."
Stressing that "we have not become, nor will we ever become, merchants of pessimism or optimism," he insisted that "there is no reason for panic."
Erhürman's response was prompted by statements from political forces opposed to him, including former Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, who said he was surprised by Holguín's remarks. Tatar argued that her role is not to formulate new proposals or a new model for a settlement, but rather to determine whether common ground exists between the sides and report her findings to Guterres.
Mr Tatar reiterated that he remains committed to the "vision of cooperation between two states based on sovereign equality," positions that were nevertheless decisively rejected in the most recent elections in the occupied areas.
Similar reactions were voiced in the occupied territories by the so-called "speaker" of the "parliament," Ziya Öztürkler, as well as by the "prime minister," Ünal Üstel.
“An Unchanged Goal”
On the Greek Cypriot side, María Ángela Holguín's public intervention is being viewed as a positive step and an indication of the United Nations' determination to continue pursuing the convening of a multilateral meeting.
For the Greek Cypriot side, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated, "the goal of convening an informal multilateral meeting remains unchanged."
He also expressed the view that, if there is genuine political will and if there is intent on the part of Turkey, the informal multilateral meeting can, and should, take place.
"Our own efforts are continuing normally, with the aim of convening the multilateral meeting at the end of July or the beginning of August, whenever this can practically be arranged. We have received no indication of any change in plans," the spokesman added.
