The United Nations Secretary-General is urging both sides in Cyprus to move forward with preparations for a new informal five-party conference. His message comes as newly appointed UN Special Representative Khassim Diagne held his first meeting in Nicosia with President Nikos Christodoulides, signalling renewed UN engagement in efforts to restart peace talks.
UN Official’s First Visit To The Presidential Palace
According to government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, President Christodoulides reaffirmed his readiness to resume negotiations “within the agreed framework” and expressed his intention for close and constructive cooperation with both Diyan and the UN, particularly in support of the Secretary-General’s personal initiatives.
Letymbiotis noted that several unresolved issues stem from what he described as “Turkish provocations,” which continue to block progress. He cited specific matters, including the case of five Greek Cypriots unlawfully detained in the north, the situation in Varosha, and tensions along the Green Line. The President, he added, reiterated his willingness to maintain daily and direct communication with Khassim Diagne in order to contribute to the UN envoy’s mission and mandate, in line with the UN Security Council resolutions.
Awaiting María Ángela Holguín’s Return To Cyprus
The government also confirmed that Cyprus is awaiting the arrival of the Secretary-General’s personal envoy, María Ángela Holguín, though no official date has been set. Her visit is expected to include meetings in Nicosia and other capitals of the involved parties, potentially paving the way for a new informal five-party conference before the end of the year.
Christodoulides–Erhürman Call Ten Days After Election
Ten days after the election of new Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, President Christodoulides finally spoke with him on the phone.
According to Letymbiotis, the President congratulated Erhürman and conveyed his readiness for a joint meeting as soon as possible, reiterating his firm commitment to contributing constructively to the UN Secretary-General’s efforts for the resumption of negotiations based on UN Security Council resolutions and the principles and values of the European Union.
The Turkish Cypriot leader reportedly agreed to contact the President again soon to set a date for the meeting.
Guterres’s Letter To Erhürman
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot media reported that UN Secretary-General António Guterres sent a congratulatory letter to Erhürman following his election, expressing eagerness to work with him toward a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem.
“I wish to reaffirm my unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots,” Guterres wrote, reiterating his intention to convene a new informal meeting with broad participation. He also authorised his envoy to visit Cyprus to make the necessary arrangements. “I encourage you to engage with my representative in a constructive, results-oriented manner so that we can build on the momentum created in 2025 and define a mutually acceptable path forward for the Cyprus issue,” Guterres concluded in his message to Erhürman.