New developments create a backdrop of mobility for the Cyprus issue, which may foreshadow the ground for future potential developments from September onwards.
The open letter from Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar to the two leaders just days before the submission of her report was a harbinger of the developments in the week ahead, with Nicosia’s initial reaction characterising the UN envoy’s message as encouraging.
In her letter, she stated that Cyprus deserves and can find reconciliation and a new way forward, noting that her commitment has not ended and that she will continue to explore alternatives for a viable solution.
She added that “it is important to move away from solutions that have created expectations in the past that were not met and have led to greater disagreements and disappointments,” and that “now, we must think differently, remaining convinced that a common future will bring great opportunities to all Cypriots.”
Holguín, whose tenure began in February this year, also stated that the Secretary-General would decide on the steps to be taken in the coming months and that she remains optimistic, calling on all Cypriots to encourage and pressure their leaders to work for a better and safer future. Additionally, she emphasised that leaders must demonstrate will and determination for real progress.
In a written statement, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis noted that “we share the same vision with Ms. Olguin and the UN Secretary-General for a definitive solution that will make Cyprus a region of peace, security, and prosperity.”
He added that “from day one of assuming his duties, the primary concern and priority of President Nikos Christodoulides has been to break the deadlock, restart negotiations from where they left off, and achieve a definitive solution to the Cyprus issue. Always within the framework agreed upon by the UN Security Council for a Bicommunal, Bizonal Federation with political equality.”
On Wednesday, Maria Angela Holguín is scheduled to deliver her report, and it is not expected to assign blame, essentially leaving open the prospect of restarting negotiations.
The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Representative is expected to continue her mission, and a meeting between the two leaders and Antonio Guterres may arise in September, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Attention is also focused on UN headquarters this week as Holguín will informally brief the Security Council on Wednesday, followed by the customary briefing of the Council by Colin Stewart on the content of the two reports.
Also in the middle of the week, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is scheduled to meet with Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the NATO Summit, where the Cyprus issue is expected to be discussed. The possibility of a meeting between the Greek Prime Minister and the Turkish President also remains open.
