Hopes for a big step forward in the Cyprus problem are now lower. A recent meeting showed that talks are stuck. This worries United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The UN envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, said no more large UN meetings will happen. This is because real progress is needed first.
The recent talks near Nicosia airport did not help move things forward. President Nikos Christodoulides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot side, has a plan. His plan has five points. It suggests a meeting of negotiators soon. He also said he is ready to take steps to help the Turkish Cypriot community.
However, there is a problem with the order of these steps. Tufan Erhurman, representing the Turkish Cypriot leadership, believes trust-building must happen first. Talks for reuniting the island should only start after that. The Greek Cypriot side wants to agree on how to start talks at a big meeting. Some ideas, like opening new crossing points, were agreed on in theory. However, they have not happened in practice. This big difference has stopped all progress.
UN Secretary-General Guterres said he is very concerned about the lack of progress. He said that trust-building measures must make life better for everyone. He told his envoy that UN meetings will be delayed. This will continue until trust-building measures clearly improve. Holguin agreed. She said that real results are needed before larger discussions can happen. This situation is a setback and may keep the island divided for longer.