Cyprus National Council briefed on New York diplomacy and UN initiative

President Nikos Christodoulides briefed the National Council on September 30, 2026, regarding his recent meetings in New York with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and personal envoy María Ángela Holguín. Despite concerns regarding a potential impasse, the President rejected claims that negotiations are deadlocked, emphasizing that efforts to achieve reunification are ongoing. The Greek Cypriot side has submitted a package of 19 proposals covering methodology, the substance of the Cyprus problem, and confidence-building measures.

The discussions also focused on the UN's initiative to convene an informal enlarged conference. While the Greek Cypriot side remains committed to the process, disagreement persists over the formal recording of past convergences. President Christodoulides has proposed documenting remaining differences if a record of convergences cannot be delivered. The UN envoy, María Ángela Holguín, is scheduled to visit Cyprus in October to continue preparations for further dialogue.

Following the briefing, political leaders underscored the necessity of constructive diplomacy. While the government maintains a firm position against the two-state solution proposed by the Turkish side, it advocates for continued dialogue. The National Council expects that sustained international engagement will help move the process forward, with the next critical steps tied to Holguín’s upcoming visit and the coordination of the UN's broader strategy.