UN Secretary-General António Guterres told President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday that regional turmoil and shifting geopolitics make this the moment to resolve the Cyprus problem, warning that Cyprus could otherwise be swept into unwanted developments.
Guterres made the remarks at the start of his meeting with Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace. Responding to the president, Guterres said it was “an immense joy to be here again” and repeated that “if there is a moment when solving the Cyprus problem matters, it is now, at a time of chaos in the region and with certain geopolitical shifts that could suddenly put Cyprus at the centre of unwanted developments.”
He described his visit as “a visit of solidarity and humility” aimed at supporting Cyprus’s two communities in finding a solution, adding that a settlement would benefit not only Cyprus but also help ease the wider regional situation. He said Cyprus “can count on my full commitment, with humility, because it is not my job to tell anyone what must be done. But I am here with humility, with full commitment, to support your efforts”.
Welcoming the Secretary-General, Christodoulides said “allow me once again to welcome you. We are very happy to have you with us. Your presence is yet another clear sign of your commitment to solving the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN Security Council resolutions, and I look forward to our discussions and consultations.” He added that Cyprus, the region and the international community all “need good news”, and that Cyprus is relying on Guterres’s support and political commitment, particularly at a difficult time internationally marked by actions from certain actors undermining the post-World War Two international system.
The expanded meeting has since concluded, and Christodoulides and Guterres held a one-on-one meeting. Following those talks, Guterres said his commitment is to finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, adding: “I will do everything in my power”.
Speaking to reporters as he left the Presidential Palace, Guterres described the visit as one of solidarity with the people of Cyprus and said it reflected his strong commitment to finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.
He said this ultimately depends on the Cypriots themselves and on the guarantor powers, but added: “I will do everything I can to support the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots at this very important moment.”
According to the Cyprus News Association (CNA), the Secretary-General’s main aim, ahead of the end of his term, is to leave his successor a substantive framework on which efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem can continue. The same sources said the UN’s approach remains steady: the organisation is not in Cyprus to impose a solution but to facilitate a process reflecting the will of the island’s residents. Guterres wants open and frank talks not only with the two leaders but also with civil society representatives and the bicommunal technical committees, CNA reported.
The expanded meeting had included Christodoulides, Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, negotiator Menelaos Menelaou, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Director of the Diplomatic Office of the President Doros Venezis, and Cyprus’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations Maria Michael, alongside Guterres, Deputy Secretaries-General Rosemary DiCarlo and Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín, and UNFICYP Head Khassim Diagne.
Foreign Minister Kombos had earlier welcomed Guterres at Larnaca International Airport “Glafcos Clerides”.
In a post on the platform “X”, Guterres said he had just arrived in Cyprus to express his commitment to supporting the island’s communities in finding a comprehensive and lasting settlement to the Cyprus problem. The United Nations “cannot impose peace”, he continued, but “only Cypriots, through their leaders, can build it”.
Guterres is accompanied by his Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín, who held meetings on Monday with President Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman.
After meeting Christodoulides, Guterres will meet the Turkish Cypriot leader at around 11:45am.
At midday, the UN chief will lay a wreath at the Peacekeepers’ Monument outside the Ledra Palace, and at 4pm he will visit the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) workshop.
Further meetings are scheduled with the negotiators, the heads of the technical committees and civil society representatives.
In the evening, Guterres will attend a private dinner with the two leaders at the residence of Special Representative Khassim Diagne at Nicosia Airport.
On Wednesday morning, Guterres will hold a joint meeting with the two leaders at Nicosia Airport, followed immediately by a press conference before he departs Cyprus.
(Information from Cyprus News Association)
