Cyprus: Guterres calls for renewed trust and a new meeting on the way forward
Guterres Announces New Cyprus Dialogue Amid Trust-Building Push
Qinilo.com – Cyprus – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres declared Wednesday his intention to organize additional negotiations aimed at addressing the prolonged separation of Cyprus, emphasizing that current circumstances demand renewed confidence between the island’s communities.
During his inaugural official trip to the Mediterranean nation, the Secretary-General engaged with both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leadership alongside various stakeholders. His visit concluded in Nicosia, where he addressed reporters about the progress made during his stay.
Constructive Engagement with Cypriot Leaders
Guterres described his exchanges with Nikos Christodoulides and Tufan Erhürman as productive and candid, noting that conversations occurred both individually and jointly.
“In this context, it was my duty to come to Cyprus to express my full solidarity with the people of Cyprus in their quest for a solution,” the Secretary-General stated, adding that “this is the moment when all efforts must be made to rebuild trust.”
The UN has maintained a longstanding commitment to helping the island’s communities achieve a lasting resolution to their differences. Since the partition began in July 1974, diplomatic efforts have continued, with particular attention given to restoring confidence following years without formal settlement discussions.
Between 2017 and the present, six rounds of talks have taken place across Switzerland, Germany, and the United States to advance this cause.
Upcoming 5+1 Meeting Planned
Both Cypriot leaders have confirmed their willingness to work alongside Maria Angela Holguin, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy. Building on these conversations, Guterres announced plans for another 5+1 gathering once sufficient groundwork has been laid regarding confidence-building measures, procedural approaches, and substantive matters.
“Based on our discussions on the way forward, I decided that I would convene another 5+1 meeting after adequate preparations on confidence building, methodology and substance, taking into account the convergences already achieved,” he explained.
This format unites the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot representatives with the guarantor nations—Greece, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom—alongside the UN. The organization will engage with all parties to establish favorable conditions for productive outcomes.
Cypriot Public Demands Progress
Throughout his visit, the Secretary-General interacted with numerous Cypriots who shared a unified message: they seek advancement. Citizens expressed hope that their political figures would demonstrate flexibility and complete the journey toward resolution.
“They want to see their leaders make compromises and to walk that last mile towards a settlement of the Cyprus issue,” Guterres reported.
“They want a future in which this island is defined not by division, but by cooperation, opportunity and peace.”
Peacekeeping and Regional Stability
On operational matters, the Secretary-General underscored the importance of honoring UNFICYP’s designated authority within the buffer zone and along ceasefire boundaries. The peacekeeping force, active since 1964, has contributed significantly to maintaining order in the region.
“Has helped maintain calm and stability in a sensitive environment,” he noted, while adding that “its continued effectiveness depends on the cooperation of all sides.”
Additional commendations went to the Committee on Missing Persons and bicommunal technical committees that connect political dialogue with citizens’ daily concerns. Civil society engagement also received recognition during the visit.
Concluding his statements, Guterres acknowledged the vital work performed by UNFICYP personnel and his Mission of Good Offices. He affirmed that while the UN cannot force peace upon parties, it remains dedicated to assisting Cyprus during this pivotal period.
Addressing broader regional dynamics, the Secretary-General highlighted significant geopolitical shifts and ongoing conflicts in areas where disputes have expanded. He conveyed confidence that resolving Cyprus would serve dual purposes: protecting Cypriot interests and contributing to regional stability.
“A solution in Cyprus is absolutely crucial not only to preserve the interests and the peace of the Cypriot people, but also as a factor of stability in what is becoming a dangerously unstable region.”