Cyprus National Council meets to discuss resumption of peace talks

President Nikos Christodoulides convened the newly formed National Council on June 23, 2026, to discuss the latest developments regarding the Cyprus issue. The government reaffirmed its commitment to a bizonal, bicommunal federation based on the negotiating framework established at Crans-Montana. Officials explicitly rejected any 'constructive ambiguity' in negotiations, citing the failure of such methods in 2004. UN Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín is scheduled to update UN Secretary-General António Guterres on her recent contacts in Nicosia, Ankara, and Athens before meeting with EU officials in Brussels from June 30 to July 2. President Christodoulides stated that the resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will not affect the ongoing peace process. A follow-up meeting of the National Council is anticipated for early July. The administration continues to emphasize the preservation of the existing negotiating acquis.