EditDiplomatic momentum builds for new round of Cyprus talks
UN’s Guterres urges both sides to move toward a new five-party meeting, reaffirming commitment to a lasting solution
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is urging both sides in Cyprus to move forward with preparations for a new informal five-party conference (Turkey, Greece, the United Kingdom, the Turkish Cypriot, and the Greek Cypriot sides). His message comes as newly appointed UN Special Representative Khassim Diagne held his first meeting in Nicosia with President Nikos Christodoulides, signalling renewed UN engagement in efforts to restart peace talks.
Guterres announced in September the appointment of Khassim Diagne of Senegal as his new Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
UN official’s first visit to the presidential palace
According to government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, President Christodoulides reaffirmed his readiness to resume negotiations “within the agreed framework” and expressed his intention for close and constructive cooperation with both Diagne and the UN, particularly in support of the Secretary-General’s personal initiatives.
Letymbiotis noted that several unresolved issues stem from what he described as “Turkish provocations,” which continue to block progress. He cited specific matters, including the case of five Greek Cypriots unlawfully detained in the north, the situation in Varosha, and tensions along the Green Line. The President, he added, reiterated his willingness to maintain daily and direct communication with Diagne in order to contribute to the UN envoy’s mission and mandate, in line with the UN Security Council resolutions.
Awaiting María Ángela Holguín’s return to Cyprus
The government also confirmed that Cyprus is awaiting the arrival of the Secretary-General’s personal envoy, María Ángela Holguín, though no official date has been set. Her visit is expected to include meetings in Nicosia and other capitals of the involved parties, potentially paving the way for a new informal five-party conference before the end of the year.
Christodoulides–Erhürman call ten days after election
Ten days after the election of new Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, Christodoulides finally spoke with him on the phone.
According to Letymbiotis, the President congratulated Erhürman and conveyed his readiness for a joint meeting as soon as possible, reiterating his firm commitment to contributing constructively to the UN Secretary-General’s efforts for the resumption of negotiations based on UN Security Council resolutions and the principles and values of the European Union.
The Turkish Cypriot leader reportedly agreed to contact the President again soon to set a date for the meeting.
Guterres’s letter to Erhürman
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot media reported that Guterres sent a congratulatory letter to Erhürman following his election, expressing eagerness to work with him toward a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem.
“I wish to reaffirm my unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots,” Guterres wrote, reiterating his intention to convene a new informal meeting with broad participation.
He also authorised his envoy to visit Cyprus to make the necessary arrangements. “I encourage you to engage with my representative in a constructive, results-oriented manner so that we can build on the momentum created in 2025 and define a mutually acceptable path forward for the Cyprus issue,” Guterres concluded in his message to Erhürman.
Pro-reunification Turkish Cypriot leader Erhürman won the 19 October elections with 62.76% of the votes, in a landslide victory over incumbent Ersin Tatar who secured 35.81%. Turkey fully supported Tatar’s election bid and openly interfered in the campaign.
Former negotiator Mavroyiannis: Erhürman’s victory opens narrow window for Cyprus talks
Caption: U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attends the 15th ASEAN-United Nations (UN) Summit as part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 27 October 2025. EPA/Chalinee Thirasupa / POOL
Updated: October 31, 2025 - 07:13
