Cyprus holds National Council meeting to discuss UN diplomatic efforts

President Nikos Christodoulides convened the National Council on September 30, 2026, to brief political leaders on his recent contacts at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. The briefing focused on ongoing efforts to restart negotiations for the Cyprus problem and the upcoming visit of UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, scheduled for October to prepare for an informal extended conference.

Despite concerns raised by Holguin that the opportunity for progress is diminishing, President Christodoulides firmly rejected claims that the process is in a deadlock. The Greek Cypriot side has submitted 19 proposals covering methodology, substance, and confidence-building measures to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who remains committed to the process. While a tripartite meeting in New York did not occur—attributed by government sources to Tufan Erhurman's negative stance and by critics to the lack of an existing formal structure—the administration insists that increased dialogue and EU support for these initiatives remain the primary path forward.

Meanwhile, the government is attempting to distance itself from early domestic election rhetoric. Tensions have risen following the announcement by former DISY leader Averof Neophytou regarding his presidential candidacy, with government officials questioning the timing 17 months before the official elections while critical national issues remain pending.