UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin faces criticism after meeting Turkish official in occupied Cyprus

On November 3, 2026, UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Maria Angela Holguin conducted a series of meetings in Cyprus, including a controversial encounter with Ali Murat Basceri, who represents Turkey in the occupied north. This meeting drew strong condemnation from the Nicosia government and the AKEL party, with government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis labeling the action as unacceptable and in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 550. Holguin reportedly justified the meeting to President Nikos Christodoulides by claiming she was expecting a message from the Turkish side, allegedly involving Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Mehmet Kemal Bozay.

Following this, Holguin held a brief 30-minute meeting with President Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace, which she described as an effort to ask specific questions in person. The President expressed his clear dissatisfaction regarding her visit to the Turkish embassy in the occupied territory during their discussion. Despite the diplomatic friction, both sides continue to prepare for a trilateral meeting scheduled for November 9. Holguin is set to meet Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman again on Wednesday to discuss ongoing issues, including the potential opening of new crossing points. Officials remain cautiously optimistic that progress can be achieved through political will ahead of upcoming negotiations.