Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has said a renewed United Nations diplomatic push could lead to a detailed Cyprus settlement plan by the end of 2026, as behind-the-scenes negotiations gather pace.
Speaking to Alpha TV, Christodoulides said recent “developments” stem from a new initiative by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and suggested the process may soon require key political decisions.
“I see developments because the secretary-general has undertaken a new initiative,” he said. “This may lead us to something very specific, and we will be called upon to make decisions.”
He said momentum had increased following a recent meeting between Guterres and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, adding that further discussions were continuing out of public view.
“No one can doubt that the key lies with Turkey,” he said.
Christodoulides said he expected an expanded informal conference on Cyprus during the summer, describing it as potentially pivotal for the peace process, and reiterated support for a bizonal bicommunal federation while rejecting a two-state solution.
“We will do everything possible to achieve a positive outcome on the basis of the bizonal bicommunal federation,” he said.
He also pointed to growing international involvement, including interest from the European Union, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen considering candidates for a possible EU envoy on Cyprus.
UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin is expected to return to the island in early June as preparations continue for the next phase of talks.
Source: Cyprus Mail.
