UN Envoy’s Upcoming Visit to Cyprus Signals Renewed Diplomatic Efforts
In a statement that underscores the island’s strategic importance and the ongoing quest for peace, the government of Cyprus has announced an anticipated visit by The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar. Scheduled for early May, after the Easter holidays, this visit marks a significant step in the resumption of negotiations aimed at resolving the long-standing Cyprus issue.
Before arriving in Cyprus, she will travel to Berlin, Paris, and Brussels, engaging with key European stakeholders. These preparatory meetings are expected to lay the groundwork for fruitful discussions in Cyprus. Government spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis conveyed that Holguin’s meeting with President Christodoulides will focus on “the next steps” in the negotiation process.
Letymbiotis emphasized Cyprus’s dedication to restarting talks, aligning with the European Union’s stance and honoring UN Security Council resolutions. The government’s commitment to a negotiated settlement remains steadfast, as evidenced by recent developments at the EU level.
The outcomes of the extraordinary EU summit have been particularly encouraging for Cyprus. The government spokesman highlighted that the European Council’s conclusions have begun to realize President Christodoulides’ objective of tying EU-Turkey relations to advancements on the Cyprus issue. This strategic linkage is seen as a way to exert pressure on Turkey to engage constructively in the peace process.
Moreover, Letymbiotis pointed out that both the European Union and Cyprus have sent a clear message to Turkey: progress on matters of interest to Ankara is possible if matched by progress on resolving the Cyprus conflict. This approach seeks to create a reciprocal dynamic where both parties can find common ground and move forward.
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