Maria Angela Holguin: Window remains for comprehensive Cyprus settlement

UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus Maria Angela Holguin said she believes a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue is still possible. In a letter, she called on the leaders to take concrete steps on confidence-building measures and lay the groundwork for negotiations to resume.

Holguin said negotiations have not yet begun and that the decision to resume them rests with the leaders. She stressed that progress is needed on method, substance and confidence-building measures, and criticised the lack of agreement over the past two years on new crossing points, mine clearance and plastic pollution.

The UN is reviewing convergences from negotiations about 10 years ago, and those documents will be presented if formal talks resume. Holguin also urged agreement on a functional negotiating method, stressing that agreeing procedure does not mean abandoning positions on substantive issues. She said she will continue her efforts until her facilitation role ends.