Nicosia, Cyprus. UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin said on Sunday that progress on the Cyprus problem depends on political will, inclusive dialogue and small but tangible steps that show cooperation is possible. She said the two leaders must actively involve society to cultivate understanding and support for any resolution.
Political will and public involvement
Holguin said citizens should be assured that a possible agreement will not disrupt their daily lives. She added that a minimum condition for substantial progress is a joint commitment to participate in good faith.
Limits of international meetings
In an interview with Politis, Holguin warned that a new informal 5+1 type conference cannot on its own replace the political will of the parties. She said international meetings can support the process but cannot impose it.
Trust deficit and long-standing skepticism
Holguin said the main obstacles to building trust on both political and psychological levels are fatigue, caution and growing skepticism about whether change is possible after decades without a comprehensive settlement. She said narratives of the past continue to influence the present and make it difficult to restart the process.
Shared desire for stability and practical cooperation
Holguin said there is a strong desire among many Cypriots to improve daily life and obtain a more predictable future, especially amid increased regional and international uncertainty. She said the challenge is to turn this shared desire into practical cooperation, adding that trust is restored through continuous daily actions that prove reliability and mutual benefit.
Confidence-building measures and incremental progress
Referring to Confidence Building Measures, Holguin said their value lies in producing tangible results and demonstrating in practice that cooperation is possible despite political differences. She said progress does not require agreement on all issues at the same time, but rather identifying practical areas of convergence to create positive momentum, with the pace and direction depending on leaders’ readiness to invest in the process and their ability to compromise.
What practical steps would you like the leaders to prioritize to build trust and cooperation?