Cyprus, Nicosia

The UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Cyprus Makes a Statement and Leaves the Island

18.03.2024 / 17:40

The Personal Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) in Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, made a written statement before departing from the island after the second round of negotiations on the Cyprus issue.

During her second visit to the island, the Colombian diplomat met with the heads of the two communities, leaders of political parties, and representatives of non-governmental organizations from both sides of the island. Before leaving the island, the UN envoy made a written statement summarizing the visit.

"Besides meeting with the two leaders during my second visit, I had the opportunity to meet with political parties, mayors, chambers of commerce, journalists, religious leaders, associations, analytical centers, and representatives of civil society. I listened to all perspectives and viewpoints to better understand the fundamental issues and opportunities," wrote the diplomat.

After meeting with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, the diplomat emphasized that there is no "schedule" for the next steps in resolving the Cyprus issue, and she does not know what her next goal will be.

"Sometimes it may seem that all avenues have been tried and changes are impossible, but there are voices that demonstrate the resilience of communities dreaming of a different life and show that hope is a necessity," the statement said.

However, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar stressed that her task remains unchanged - to determine if there is a common ground that will allow both sides to participate in seeking a sustainable solution and that she is "fully committed to making every effort to fulfill the request of the UN Secretary-General in the remaining months."