UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin outlines status of Cyprus negotiations ahead of trilateral meeting

Maria Angela Holguin, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Cyprus, has addressed the current state of peace efforts ahead of the scheduled trilateral meeting on November 9. In an interview, Holguin stated that there is currently insufficient political will to resolve the difficult issues facing the island. While she welcomes the ongoing direct dialogue between leaders Christodoulides and Erhurman, she emphasized that these meetings have not yet produced progress on confidence-building measures, such as the opening of new crossing points, nor on a clear methodology for future negotiations.

Responding to criticism regarding her frequent absences from Cyprus, Holguin stated that her role is to facilitate understanding rather than to preside over direct discussions. She noted that her presence is not required for the leaders to hold private, productive talks, as the responsibility for finding a solution ultimately rests with the Cypriot stakeholders. Meanwhile, the mayor of Famagusta, Simos Ioannou, has expressed frustration over Holguin’s failure to meet with the municipal council, noting that the council represents a significant portion of refugees and seeks to address the return of the enclosed area of Varosha.

Looking ahead, Holguin hopes the November 9 meeting will serve as a catalyst for compromise on initiatives discussed during previous bilateral sessions. With her mandate set to expire at the end of the year, stakeholders continue to urge for more tangible engagement on core issues.