UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged Cyprus leaders to seize a “current window of opportunity” to advance peace talks, warning that progress cannot be taken for granted and that a lasting settlement remains uncertain.
In his latest report on his good offices mission, Guterres said intensified dialogue between Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman “remains positive,” but cautioned that key trust-building measures have yet to be implemented.
More crossings please
He said increased engagement between the two leaders “demonstrates their commitment to building a relationship based on trust and to finding a path forward on the Cyprus issue,” adding he was “encouraged” by agreement on a consultative body involving civil society, describing it as “an important step” toward “a more inclusive peace process, where the public remains aware and engaged".
However, he noted that “several trust building initiatives that were agreed in March and July 2025 remain unimplemented,” including “the opening of additional crossing points.” Their implementation, he said, “would improve the daily lives of Cypriots” and demonstrate “the political will to make progress".
Guterres urges the two leaders to consider “ways to move past the impasses” around opening new crossings and calls on both sides to facilitate “the movement of people and goods through existing crossings".
The full benefits of expanding Agios Dometios crossing point will depend on both sides ensuring adequate staffing for document checks and services, as agreed by the leaders on 11 December 2025, he noted. The Secretary-General also urges “the full implementation of the Green Line Regulation” to help increase “intra-island trade and cooperation between the two communities".
He also noted the lack of significant progress on demining, the establishment of a solar plant in the buffer zone, the exchange of art and artifacts, or environmental initiatives.
‘Don’t take opportunity for granted’
Guterres called on the leaders to maintain “constructive engagement” with each other and with his personal envoy, María Ángela Holguín, “with the aim of resuming negotiations that would lead to a lasting and comprehensive settlement.” He urged them to use the “current window of opportunity for making progress,” stressing that it “should not be taken for granted".
Both sides, he added, should work “with determination to construct a future together” through an agreement that reflects “the interests and rights of all Cypriots,” while showing “openness, flexibility and compromise” and “the necessary political will and commitment".
Guterres said he counts on the continued support of the guarantor powers and the broader international community, including the European Union.
Inclusivity
The report also stresses inclusion, highlighting the importance of women and underrepresented groups. Their participation, including that of “religious minorities, young people and persons with disabilities,” is “critical,” Guterres said. He again called for implementation of the 2022 action plan to ensure women’s “full, equal and meaningful participation” in the peace process so that any settlement “equally benefits men and women".
Technical committees continued to play a key role, with Guterres noting their “added value” in supporting dialogue and peacebuilding. He called on the leaders to support progress in education, crisis management and the environment. He said education should foster “reconciliation, forgiveness and cooperation,” while noting sport has “a unique capacity to bring together individuals who might not otherwise interact".
Security warning
Despite positive dialogue, the Secretary-General warned of risks to stability. He said he remains “deeply concerned over unilateral actions by both sides in and around the buffer zone” and the “lack of progress in taking de-escalatory steps.” Such actions, he said, “undermine the military status quo of the area, the integrity of the buffer zone and the Security Council mandate” and are “not conducive to the broader peace process".
On Varosha, he reiterated that “the position of the United Nations on Varosha remains unchanged,” in line with Security Council resolutions 550 and 789.
He welcomed agreement to develop “an initial plan for the conduct of religious services,” noting religious leaders have previously been “a powerful joint voice towards peace”.
Significant developments
His personal envoy stepped up efforts during the period, visiting Cyprus twice and holding meetings with the two leaders, as well as regional and international stakeholders. Engagements included contacts with officials from Turkey, Greece, the United Kingdom, the European Union and the United States.
The report notes continued frequent contact between the two sides, including additional leader-level meetings and “26 meetings of the representatives of the two leaders,” but limited tangible progress on several agreed confidence-building measures.
The Secretary-General also pointed to wider regional pressures, including tensions linked to developments in the Middle East and the presence of “significant foreign military assets in and around Cyprus” which caused “some tension between the sides”.
The situation in Pyla remains “fragile”, he noted, while the foot and mouth disease outbreak became “a major issue affecting both communities and bicommunal relations”.
UN engagement remained active throughout the period, with 128 meetings held across political, civil society and international actors. Technical committees convened 174 meetings, advancing cooperation in areas including cultural heritage, trade, health and youth.
Among Technical Committee initiatives, the expansion of the Agios Dometios crossing was completed, while cultural heritage projects progressed on around 70 cemeteries. Economic cooperation included a pilot exchange of worn euro banknotes totalling 2 million euros, and joint events promoting women in business.
Youth engagement also increased, with activities addressing mental health and promoting “sport for peace,” as part of efforts to make the process more inclusive.
Guterres concluded by reaffirming his commitment to continued dialogue, urging all parties and guarantor powers to remain engaged.
“I call upon them to continue to engage constructively in the ongoing efforts, fully recognizing the important role that they play in the Cyprus peace process” he said.
While welcoming progress on some trust-building steps, he stressed they “cannot replace negotiations aimed at a comprehensive settlement.” A solution, he added, could strengthen “security, prosperity and development,” allowing Cypriots to live together in “tolerance, solidarity and respect".
“My Personal Envoy and I will remain at the disposal of the parties” he said.
Source: CNA
