Preparations for Cyprus issue discussions ahead of UN General Assembly high-level week

President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman are scheduled to meet on Thursday, September 17, at 11:00 AM, marking their final discussion before the UN General Assembly’s high-level week in New York. This meeting follows a preparatory session held on Monday between Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou and Turkish Cypriot representative Mehmet Dana, where the parties discussed substantive issues, methodology, and potential confidence-building measures.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has reportedly called for progress on seven key areas, including the opening of new crossing points, mine clearance, citizenship for children of mixed marriages, sports, joint disaster response, and mechanisms for combating irregular migration. While Erhürman expressed readiness to advance all seven points, the diplomatic landscape remains complex. UN envoy Maria Angela Holguín is expected to travel to New York for the high-level week following a recent health-related delay. Diplomatic sources suggest that the UN may present a document outlining points of convergence during the New York sessions, though the official position remains guarded. President Christodoulides has emphasized that these feverish preparations are aimed at securing the resumption of formal negotiations, despite low expectations regarding the Turkish side's current commitment to the process.