The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is hosting an informal conference on Cyprus in Geneva, bringing together representatives from Cyprus alongside officials from Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
Key participants
The diplomatic dinner convened by Secretary-General Guterres includes Republic of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides accompanied by Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou. Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar is attending with his special envoy, Güneş Onar.
Greece is represented by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou, while Turkey has dispatched Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Deputy Foreign Minister Mehmet Kemal Bozay.
The United Kingdom’s delegation consists of Europe Minister Stephen Doughty and British High Commissioner to Cyprus Michael Tatham.
The UN contingent includes Secretary-General Guterres, UN Deputy Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus, Colin Stewart.
European Union involvement
European Commission representative Giulia Bertezzolo, head of the Commission’s Cyprus Settlement Unit, has arrived in Geneva and is scheduled to meet with Cyprus Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna.
European Council President António Costa issued a statement of support prior to the dinner, emphasising: “We reiterate our firm commitment to the reunification of Cyprus through a comprehensive settlement based on a bicommunal and bizonal federation, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.”
Costa added that the European Union “is ready to play its role and intensify efforts to support this process.”
Diplomatic strategy
According to sources familiar with the proceedings, President Christodoulides arrives prepared to discuss substantive issues related to the Cyprus problem during both tonight’s dinner and tomorrow’s bilateral and plenary sessions.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis noted: “Preparation has been intensive, our will is clear, and our positions are well-defined—always within the agreed framework as determined by all United Nations Security Council resolutions and in accordance with European Union principles and values.”
The dinner, expected to last approximately two hours, will provide each participant an opportunity to present their position before Secretary-General Guterres offers concluding remarks. Observers consider Guterres’ statement particularly significant as it may signal his intentions and expectations for tomorrow’s meetings.
Political unity
This morning’s National Council session in Geneva demonstrated what participants described as unprecedented unity among Cyprus’ political leadership. All attendees reportedly offered constructive suggestions and proposals to President Christodoulides regarding potential scenarios that might emerge during the discussions.
“Despite potentially different approaches on specific aspects, what must be emphasised with great satisfaction is the unity and responsibility demonstrated by all political forces and National Council members accompanying the President in Geneva,” Letymbiotis stated.
President Christodoulides maintains communication with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, keeping him informed of developments.
Greek Foreign Minister Gerapetritis earlier commented: “Cyprus can no longer remain divided. Division can never be the solution. The solution is unity—for a united Europe and a peaceful world.”
The informal conference continues tomorrow with bilateral meetings and a plenary session, representing the most significant diplomatic effort on the Cyprus issue since previous negotiations stalled in 2017.
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