The Cyprus Women Bicommunal Coalition (CWBC), a pro-Cyprus solution women’s group, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing stalemate in the Cyprus problem.
They warn that if the current status quo continues and the Cyprus issue remains unresolved, it will have severe consequences for the island’s future and both its communities.
CWBC has voiced strong support for the efforts of Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, and expressed concern over the possibility that her mandate, set to expire on July 5, 2024, might not be renewed.
In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres on June 28, 2024, CWBC urged him to extend Holguin’s mandate.
They believe that this extension is crucial for allowing additional time for intensified efforts, with the support of the international community, to achieve a positive resolution.
The coalition emphasised that granting more time to the UN Personal Envoy would facilitate further engagement with all involved parties and enable the submission of concrete recommendations on redesigning the negotiation process to ensure a successful outcome.
CWBC stressed the need for a different approach to the negotiations this time—one that is more inclusive, participatory, and transparent, involving not just the two leaders but also women, youth, and civil society.
CWBC reaffirmed their commitment to contributing positively to the negotiation efforts and supporting Holguin by mobilising the women of Cyprus towards this goal.
The letter to the UN Secretary-General, detailing the coalition’s positions, accompanies this announcement.
