Guterres outlines key messages after meetings with Cyprus leaders

FOUR KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM GUTERRES’ FIRST MEETINGS IN CYPRUS

Four key takeaways from Guterres’ first meetings in Cyprus

The first separate meetings between UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the leaders of Cyprus’s two communities ended without specific announcements, but outlined the UN’s main messages on the next steps in the settlement process.

One of the key points was Guterres’ statement that resolving the Cyprus problem depends primarily on the Cypriots themselves. At the same time, he stressed his readiness to support both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, and also highlighted the role of the guarantor countries in the process.

The UN Secretary-General also stated his commitment to facilitating negotiations and stressed that the United Nations does not intend to impose any solution, but seeks to help the sides find a path towards an agreement.

After meetings with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, Guterres described the talks as substantive and highlighted the importance of the current moment against the backdrop of regional instability.

During his meeting with Christodoulides, the UN chief said that geopolitical changes could place Cyprus at the centre of undesirable developments, making it particularly important to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem.

The first separate meetings between UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman ended without specific decisions, but showed the main directions for further action on the Cyprus settlement.

The main signal was Guterres’ statement that the future resolution of the Cyprus problem depends on the Cypriots themselves, while the UN’s task is to support the negotiating process. He also highlighted the role of the guarantor countries and said he was ready to continue facilitating efforts involving both communities.

The UN Secretary-General stressed that the organisation would not impose a ready-made solution on the sides, but seeks to help create the conditions for an agreement to be reached.

During his meeting with Nikos Christodoulides, Guterres noted that against the backdrop of changes in the region and rising geopolitical tensions, the search for a solution on Cyprus has become particularly important.

Tufan Erhürman, for his part, said that the Turkish Cypriots were ready to fulfil their commitments regarding confidence-building measures and supported the efforts of the UN Secretary-General.

Following the separate meetings, attention is now focused on the joint dinner of the two leaders with Guterres and the upcoming trilateral talks. Their outcome may provide clearer signals about the next steps in the settlement process.