**Nicosia, Cyprus – January 27, 2024** – A significant diplomatic initiative is unfolding on the divided island of Cyprus this week, as the United Nations Secretary-General’s personal envoy, María Ángela Holguín, engages in a series of high-stakes meetings aimed at revitalising efforts towards a comprehensive settlement. The envoy’s itinerary commenced with consultations with the island's political leaders and negotiators, culminating in a pivotal joint meeting between the Republic of Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhürman, scheduled for Sunday, January 28th.
Holguín’s visit, spanning from January 26th to January 29th, underscores the UN’s renewed commitment to facilitating dialogue on the protracted Cyprus problem. Her engagement began with separate meetings on Saturday with both Christodoulides and Erhürman, allowing for an in-depth exchange of perspectives and concerns from each side. This was preceded by consultations on Friday with the respective Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot negotiators, a strategic move designed to ensure a thorough understanding of the groundwork and potential sticking points before the leaders convene.
The current diplomatic push follows a previous encounter between Christodoulides and Erhürman on December 11, 2023, indicating a persistent, albeit gradual, momentum in the peace process. The scheduling of these meetings, particularly the joint summit between the leaders, signifies a deliberate attempt to build upon prior discussions and explore avenues for substantive progress. The presence of the UN envoy serves as a crucial facilitator, tasked with bridging divides and fostering an environment conducive to finding common ground.
Prior to her arrival in Cyprus, Holguín undertook a visit to Brussels, where she conferred with the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas. This engagement suggests a coordinated approach and highlights the European Union's vested interest in a resolution to the Cyprus issue, potentially signalling discussions regarding the EU's future role and contributions to any eventual settlement. The inclusion of the EU in these preliminary discussions signals a broader international consensus on the imperative of reuniting the island.
The overarching objective of Holguín's mission is to advance the complex and multifaceted negotiations towards a lasting and viable solution for Cyprus. The UN envoy’s mandate is intrinsically linked to fostering communication and understanding between the estranged communities, a challenge that has eluded resolution for decades. The sequential nature of the meetings, from negotiators to leaders, suggests a methodical approach, aiming to systematically address the intricate issues that have historically obstructed progress.
The outcome of these engagements remains to be seen, but the concerted diplomatic effort represents a palpable step in the ongoing quest for reunification. The coming days will be critical in assessing whether this renewed dialogue can translate into tangible advancements and steer Cyprus closer to a peaceful and enduring resolution. The international community will be observing closely, hopeful that this latest diplomatic overture can yield substantive progress after years of stalled negotiations.