Actions that obstruct confidence-building, including the cancellation of events, undermine efforts to create a favourable atmosphere for progress on the Cyprus issue, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reportedly said in a letter to Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, according to reports in the Turkish Cypriot press.
According to Turkish Cypriot media reports, the letter is dated 16 October 2026 and was sent in response to a letter from Erhürman dated 28 August, in which the Turkish Cypriot leader raised concerns about what he described as efforts by the Greek Cypriot side to obstruct Turkish Cypriot cultural, sporting, political and diplomatic activities.
Guterres is said to have stated that he carefully examined the concerns conveyed to him.
He reportedly described such developments as discouraging and contrary to his repeated calls for initiatives that strengthen mutual trust between the two communities.
Need for continued cooperation
The UN chief also stressed the importance of maintaining contacts and cooperation between the two sides in order to create the conditions necessary for launching a process that could lead to a lasting settlement.
According to the reports, Guterres said he had instructed his personal envoy to continue engaging with both sides, with particular emphasis on the implementation of confidence-building measures.
He also reportedly requested that all parties concerned be reminded that actions which hinder the development of trust, including the cancellation of events, run counter to common efforts aimed at improving the atmosphere between the communities.
Complaints raised by Erhürman
In his letter, Erhürman reportedly referred to several incidents, including:
- Music festivals.
- A Barcelona football camp.
- Diplomatic contacts and activities.
According to the Turkish Cypriot leader, attempts to obstruct such events negatively affect relations between the two communities and make efforts to improve the climate more difficult.
Source: CNA
