New York, United States. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has “full confidence” in his personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, and shares her assessment that more progress is needed from the island’s leaders, his spokesman said on Tuesday.
UN response to Holguin commentary
Speaking in New York, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said views expressed by Holguin in an opinion piece circulated to local media “reflects the personal envoy’s observations of the realities on the ground”. He added that the secretary-general “shares the view that more progress is needed among the leaders”.
Dujarric also rejected claims that UN efforts have slowed, saying “there has been no pause in contacts, which continue at various levels to support both sides”.
Greek Cypriot negotiator criticises envoy assessment
Holguin’s comments drew a sharp response on Monday from Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou, who accused her of presenting what he described as a distorted picture of responsibility for the lack of movement.
Menelaou said her analysis adopted an “equalising logic” that placed both sides on the same footing despite what he called “sustained obstruction by the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot sides”.
Menelaou disputes causes of delays
“The problem is not timing or internal processes,” Menelaou said. “It is the persistence of positions that undermine the agreed framework for a solution.”
He rejected Holguin’s suggestion that factors such as elections or institutional obligations complicate the resumption of talks, saying readiness depends on political will and adherence to UN parameters. “Delays only consolidate the status quo,” he said.
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