AKEL leader calls for preservation of Cyprus peace process convergences

Following a National Council meeting on September 30, 2026, AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou expressed deep pessimism regarding the current state of the Cyprus issue. Stefanou stressed that the Greek Cypriot side must take proactive initiatives to prevent the negotiation process from stalling, noting that no formal negotiations have occurred since the 2017 Crans-Montana conference. He emphasized that the primary goal should be safeguarding existing convergences and the negotiation acquis, even if current efforts to convene an expanded UN meeting do not succeed.

Stefanou highlighted the importance of the work performed by outgoing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who brought the parties close to a solution in the past. He urged that these established gains be preserved as a legacy for the next UN administration. Meanwhile, political parties are preparing for the October arrival of Maria Angela Holguin, the UN Secretary-General's personal envoy. While AKEL warned against allowing the situation to reach a permanent deadlock, the Democratic Party (DIKO) separately affirmed its support for the President’s initiatives to restart negotiations, noting that confidence-building measures cannot replace a comprehensive settlement.