Diplomatic efforts in Cyprus continue amid schedule changes and upcoming UN summit

President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman are continuing a series of meetings in Nicosia to address the Cyprus issue ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York. While these discussions aim to prepare the ground for future negotiations, the process faces challenges, including the recent cancellation of a visit by UN Personal Envoy Maria Angela Holguin, who was unable to travel to the island on September 10 for health reasons.

Despite this setback, both leaders are expected to maintain communication. President Christodoulides expressed his hope for two to three additional meetings with Erhurman before their respective appointments at the UN headquarters in late September. Specifically, a bilateral meeting between the Cypriot President and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been confirmed for September 24.

Central to the diplomatic strategy is a document detailing points of convergence, which is expected to be finalized by academic expert McGarry before September 20. The Greek Cypriot side views this document as a necessary foundation to hold an expanded conference and officially resume negotiations, focusing on resolving remaining areas of disagreement. Preparations for this framework remain the primary focus of ongoing political consultations.