Diplomatic efforts to resume Cyprus peace talks intensify
Maria Angela Holguin, the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General, is conducting a series of diplomatic visits to advance the Cyprus issue. Following productive meetings in Nicosia, Holguin is scheduled to meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday to assess Turkey's stance, which is considered critical for the next steps. The UN aims to convene an informal expanded 5+1 meeting between late July and early August to facilitate the resumption of formal negotiations. Nicosia is actively seeking to leverage the European Union's role, particularly by linking Ankara's requests for updated customs union, visa liberalization, and defense cooperation to the negotiation process. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has maintained contact with EU leaders, including Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, to coordinate this new initiative. While the Greek Cypriot side aims for a solution based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, the process focuses on moving beyond declarations toward substantive discussions. Holguin will also visit Athens for consultations with the Greek Foreign Minister following her trip to Ankara.