United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to visit Cyprus on 27 July in a move seen as significant for efforts to restart negotiations on the Cyprus issue.
According to a report by Parapolitika.gr, diplomatic sources believe the visit is not merely ceremonial but forms part of Guterres’ effort to establish a stable negotiating framework before the end of his term as UN Secretary-General.
The same sources say the aim is to create the conditions for an informal five-party conference in late August or September, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The discussions are expected to focus on identifying areas of convergence between the two sides.
Meetings with both leaders
Guterres is expected to arrive in Cyprus on the evening of 27 July, accompanied by UN Deputy Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo and Jean-Pierre Lacroix. His Personal Envoy on Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín, is expected to already be on the island.
On 28 July, the UN chief is scheduled to hold separate meetings with President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman.
An informal dinner with both leaders is planned for the same evening, followed by a trilateral meeting the next day. Statements are expected after the talks conclude.
Holguín plan remains in focus
The visit comes amid continued discussion over media reports concerning an alleged proposal by Holguín that reportedly envisages a looser federal structure for a future Cyprus settlement.
The Cypriot government has repeatedly stated that no official UN proposal exists and has stressed it will not accept any ambiguity regarding security and guarantees.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot side continues to support sovereign equality and a two-state solution, in line with Turkey’s longstanding position.
Also read: President stresses need to resume Cyprus talks and end occupation
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