AKEL leader calls for preservation of Cyprus negotiations acquis

Following a session of the National Council on September 30, 2026, AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou addressed the ongoing stalemate in the Cyprus peace process. He emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding the existing convergences and the negotiation acquis established over years of diplomatic efforts, particularly those reached during the 2017 Crans-Montana conference.

Stefanou argued that the Greek Cypriot side must take proactive initiatives to prevent the diplomatic process from fading, especially as UN Secretary-General António Guterres nears the end of his tenure. Stefanou noted that even if the UN fails to convene a broader meeting, the current progress must be preserved as a legacy for the next UN administration. He expressed concerns regarding the lack of formal negotiations since the Crans-Montana summit and highlighted the upcoming October visit of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, as a key development.

Ultimately, Stefanou maintains that resuming talks from the point where they were previously interrupted remains the only viable path forward. While he expressed pessimism regarding current prospects, he reaffirmed that adhering to international law and the UN framework is essential for achieving a peaceful resolution.