Reports of a new UN peace proposal for Cyprus spark reactions

Recent reports in the Turkish newspaper Sözcü and Greek Cypriot media claim that Maria Angela Holguin, the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General, has drafted a new peace proposal for Cyprus. The alleged plan reportedly includes the return of Varosha and Morphou to the Greek Cypriot side in exchange for the Turkish Cypriots gaining a rotating presidency, participation in an federal council, EU integration, and direct trade links. Turkish officials, including the Ministry of Defense and Tufan Erhurman, have dismissed these claims as speculative or fabricated, reiterating their commitment to a two-state solution based on sovereign equality. Turkish Cypriot leadership emphasized that no agreement would be accepted without Turkey's consent as a guarantor power. The Turkish side maintains that territorial concessions and the removal of Turkey's security guarantees are off the table. Discussions are expected to continue ahead of the upcoming informal 5+1 meeting in New York and the NATO summit. Greek Cypriot media suggest the plan might have been leaked to influence public opinion, while Turkish authorities characterize it as an unrealistic attempt to revive failed models like the Annan Plan.