Nicosia, Cyprus. United Nations envoy for the Cyprus problem Maria Angela Holguin on Wednesday called on Cypriots to seize what she described as a historic opportunity to negotiate a lasting solution, as she assessed her latest round of contacts. She said she remains committed to promoting dialogue and urged both sides to take concrete steps toward a final agreement.
Call for renewed dialogue
Holguin said she understood the difficulty in believing in a different Cyprus, but urged Cypriots not to give up or remain prisoners of a difficult past. She reiterated her invitation to Cypriots to design a shared, prosperous and secure future that would uphold and respect their rights.
She said she is committed and willing to explore all possible ways to promote dialogue toward an agreement satisfactory for all stakeholders. She added that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remains fully committed to supporting efforts to find a mutually beneficial solution for all Cypriots.
Support from the UN secretary-general
Holguin said Guterres is evaluating possible next phases that could convince both parties to take concrete steps toward a final solution. She said there is hope that optimism can drive both sides toward Cyprus’ future.
Trust and political will
She acknowledged that building trust has been difficult for decades and said the weight of history is heavy, but must be handled with wisdom, empathy and generosity.
Holguin said she understands that the political atmosphere is always sensitive, but added that she still believes confidence can prevail if both parties combine their efforts to resolve their differences and disagreements.
She also said she has devoted time to listening to academics, politicians, the private sector and civil society, but stressed that sustained and genuine political will from the two leaders, supported by their communities, will continue to be needed to ensure a successful outcome.
Media reports and changing realities
Commenting on recent media reports about the content of her meetings, Holguin said they were rich in assumptions and creativity, while stressing that not a single word had been written by her.
She also recognised past efforts and difficult negotiations over the years, noting that several UN secretaries-general have tried to bring the parties together in the search for a solution. She added that since the last serious round of negotiations in Crans-Montana in 2017, realities on the ground have deeply changed.
Prospect of a pathway forward
Despite those changes, Holguin said she believes a renovated dialogue could motivate both sides to agree on a pathway through which both can prosper with security and opportunities.