Cyprus leaders to meet UN envoy to discuss confidence-building measures

The President of the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot leader are set to meet with the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, this Monday at the old Nicosia airport. The meeting represents a critical point in efforts to restart negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem, with the potential to lead to a broader 5+1 conference if sufficient progress is made.

The primary focus of the meeting is the finalization of a package of confidence-building measures (CBMs). Discussions include the potential opening of four new crossing points at Mia Milia, Athienou-Pyroi-Aglantzia, Louroujina-Lymbia, and Kampos-Karavostasi, as well as demining efforts, environmental cooperation regarding microplastics, cultural heritage initiatives, and the establishment of a joint disaster response team.

UN envoy Holguin emphasized that Monday's meeting will not address the methodology or substance of the peace negotiations themselves. She explicitly stated that if no consensus is reached on the CBM package, the proposed 5+1 conference will not proceed, as a failed summit could further complicate the situation. Should these talks fail, Holguin indicated she would proceed with drafting her final report to the UN Secretary-General before her mandate concludes in December.