Cyprus leaders agree to weekly meetings to resume negotiations

Following a lengthy meeting at the United Nations offices in Nicosia on August 26, 2026, President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman have agreed to hold weekly meetings to discuss the Cyprus problem. This diplomatic engagement, described by the government as having a positive tone, aims to address methodology, confidence-building measures, and preparation for a potential enlarged meeting as suggested by the UN Secretary-General. The next session is scheduled for September 2, 2026, at 15:00.

During the announcement, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis identified the members of the Civil Society Advisory Committee. The Greek Cypriot representatives include Pantelis Poetis, Alexandros Lordos, Amalia Avraam, Sophia Papamichalopoulou, and Marios Michaelides. The Turkish Cypriot side appointed Ipek Borman, Erol Kaymak, Meltem Onurkan Samani, Arif Osum, and Candogan Ozkan. This body is intended to facilitate inter-communal dialogue and will include 50 additional participants from each community to discuss daily life issues.

While officials express cautious optimism regarding the continuity of these talks, they emphasize that Turkey's contribution remains a critical factor for substantial progress. Tufan Erhürman noted that political equality remains a core issue, asserting that it cannot be traded for other concessions. UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin is expected to visit the island in early September, and the leaders are planned to meet three to four times before the UN General Assembly later in the month.