Cyprus government seeks EU role in informal multilateral talks

The Cypriot government reaffirmed its strategic goal to convene an informal multilateral conference on the Cyprus issue this summer. Government spokesmen Giannis Antoniou and Konstantinos Letymbiotis emphasized the importance of the European Union's active involvement in these potential negotiations, citing its role in security, the rule of law, and economic stability. Nicosia welcomed the recent recognition of this EU role by the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, following a joint declaration from EU officials and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. While the exact time and location for the conference have not yet been finalized, the government maintains that the objective is to restart substantive negotiations for a final settlement. Constant consultations are ongoing with the UN and EU, with key opportunities for dialogue expected during the NATO summit next week. Holguin is scheduled to visit Brussels on July 13 to further discuss these efforts. Despite public statements from the Turkish side, the Nicosia government insists it remains committed to overcoming the current impasse.