Greek Cypriot Side Optimistic About Potential UN-Led Negotiation Efforts
NICOSIA: The Greek Cypriot administration has expressed hope that the upcoming informal dinner in New York could lead to a continuation of efforts to resume negotiations, aiming for a positive development in the Cyprus issue. This comes ahead of a scheduled meeting involving UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, and the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
According to the Cyprus News Agency, the Greek Cypriot side views the potential proposal by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to continue diplomatic efforts as a constructive step. The details of how these efforts could manifest remain unclear since the UN has not yet disclosed any specific plans to either the Greek Cypriot or the Turkish Cypriot side. The anticipation surrounds an informal dinner set to take place in New York, where these discussions are expected to gain more clarity.
President Nikos Christodoulides, who had a preparatory discussion with Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, the UN Secretary General’s personal envoy
, understands that the continuation of negotiations might hinge on the outcomes of this gathering. The Greek Cypriot side is prepared to propose several steps depending on the discussion’s direction at the dinner, which will also include Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar.
Scenarios that might be considered include Guterres proposing a five-party conference, initiating bilateral meetings, appointing a personal envoy, or discussing confidence-building measures linked to the resumption of talks. These measures could potentially incorporate aspects of the Guterres Framework, particularly focusing on military, guarantees, and governance issues.
The stakes of the meeting are high, with the UN officials, including Guterres’s associates, reportedly lacking a clear picture of the potential directions the discussions might take. The Greek Cypriot side is cautiously optimistic but acknowledges that the nature and framework of any continued efforts remain at the discretion of the UN Secretary General.
The role of Mar
ia Angela Holguin Cuellar, despite her contract having expired, is also under consideration, with possibilities of her involvement in future steps if the negotiations are to be re-launched. The alternative scenario could see Colin Stewart stepping into a potentially downgraded role unless an envoy is deemed unnecessary for the immediate next steps.
In a related development, the Greek Cypriot leadership also engaged with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, discussing Cyprus’s role in the broader regional context and the ongoing Cyprus issue. The UK confirmed its interest in participating in any potential five-party conference as one of the guarantor powers, emphasizing a solution within the UN framework and rejecting any reduced format discussions without all involved parties.
This series of diplomatic engagements highlights the intricate geopolitical dynamics surrounding the Cyprus issue and the significant roles played by various international actors in seeking a resolution.