Christodoulides Anticipates Difficult Decisions on Cyprus Solution via New UN Initiative

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides announced that a new, ongoing initiative led by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres could lead to a comprehensive plan for resolving the Cyprus problem. Following Guterres' meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the UN has launched this behind-the-scenes effort, with UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin expected to arrive in early June to prepare for an expanded meeting involving Turkey. Christodoulides emphasized that while he maintains open dialogue with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman, Turkey remains the key factor in any potential solution. He indicated that significant and possibly difficult decisions will be required from all parties involved. The President expressed hope that an expanded meeting of the two sides and guarantor powers—Greece, Turkey, and the UK—would occur this summer, followed by another before the year's end. Although the EU has shown interest in participating, the US has not yet committed. Christodoulides noted that Guterres is prioritizing this issue before his term expires, aiming to lay the groundwork for his successor.