UN Envoy Urges Leaders of Two Communities to "Listen to the People"

Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus, held a series of meetings with leaders from both of the island's communities today. Following her discussion with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, the Colombian diplomat stressed the importance of leaders paying attention to the voices of their people.

“We emphasized the need to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between the parties during our meeting. We believe that constructive dialogue between the parties must persist to resolve the Cyprus issue,” stated the UN Special Representative after the meeting.

Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar also emphasized the significance for both leaders to “focus on the desires of their people and seek common ground.”

“Initiating a dialogue between the parties, at the very least, is what the people of Cyprus anticipate,” remarked the diplomat.

Following her meeting with the leader of the Greek Cypriots, the UN Special Representative engaged in talks with the leader of the Turkish Cypriots, Ersin Tatar. Post the meeting, the diplomat departed from the presidential residence without providing a statement to the press. It is anticipated that the leader of Northern Cyprus will issue a statement later.

Recalling that the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General arrived in Cyprus last Tuesday. Appointed as the Personal Representative by António Guterres in January 2024, the diplomat is on her third visit to the island, aiming to find common ground for the resumption of negotiations between the two communities.

Last week, she conducted meetings with leaders from both communities. The leader of the Turkish Cypriots rejected the proposal for a trilateral meeting.

The UN envoy reminded that her term of office is concluding soon. After the third round of negotiations, she plans to compile a report and meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres before returning to the island.

“The efforts of the UN Secretary-General to resolve the Cyprus issue and his determination to find a peaceful solution between the parties continue. The support of the international community and dialogue between the parties will be crucial steps toward resolving this issue,” expressed the diplomat.

It is expected that Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar will continue her contacts on the island until May 14th as part of the third round of negotiations.