Diplomatic tensions and UN meetings over Cyprus issue in New York

During the UN General Assembly high-level week in New York, diplomatic tensions emerged between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot side. The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Cyprus issued a letter to UN delegations requesting they avoid meetings with Turkish Cypriot representatives, citing UN Security Council resolutions and accusing the other side of promoting separatist policies. Conversely, reports from the Turkish Cypriot side described this move as a 'diplomatic scandal' and an attempt to block the activities of leader Tufan Erhurman.

Despite the friction, Maria Angela Holguin, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus, conducted a series of consultations with leaders and negotiators from both sides. While UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with the leaders separately, a proposed tripartite meeting suggested by President Nikos Christodoulides did not take place, as Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman deemed it untimely. Meanwhile, UN officials and negotiators focused on reviewing Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) to break the long-standing deadlock.

Holguin confirmed that the UN has completed the compilation of convergences, which will be provided to both sides when formal negotiations resume. The UN remains committed to facilitating a solution before the Secretary-General’s term ends in three months, with parties expected to present their proposals on negotiation methodology.