Cyprus leaders meet UN envoy to discuss confidence-building measures

On November 9, 2026, the two Cypriot leaders are meeting with the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, at the old Nicosia airport. The trilateral meeting aims to finalize a package of confidence-building measures (CBMs) intended to create a positive atmosphere for resuming broader negotiations. The package is expected to include the opening of four new crossing points at Mia Milia, Athienou-Pyroi-Aglantzia, Louroujina-Lympia, and Kampos-Karavostasi, alongside initiatives for demining, environmental protection, disaster response, and cultural heritage, while the Kokkina crossing has been definitively excluded.

Maria Angela Holguin has emphasized that this meeting is critical, warning that failure to achieve results could lead to a 'huge' setback for the UN’s initiative. She stated that if no progress is made, it will jeopardize the possibility of a 5+1 meeting under UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, which is sought before the end of the year. The envoy, who recently clarified the need for a clear process, including agendas and deadlock-breaking mechanisms, remains hopeful that a successful outcome will pave the way for future discussions without preconditions.