resumption of talks

Holguin to brief UNSG on Cyprus issue amid impasse and provocative statements by Turkish side

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Holguin to brief UNSG on Cyprus issue amid impasse and provocative statements by Turkish side

President Nikos Christodoulides has been briefed about the meeting of the UN secretary general with his personal envoy. The Turkish Minister of Defence, Yasar Guler, made a provocative statement regarding the Turkish troops’ “peace operation” in Cyprus. The Greek Cypriot side is steadfast in requesting the resumption of talks, despite indications that negotiations may not be positive. The UNSG will also meet with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis to convey specific messages on behalf of the Republic. Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar claimed that peace prevailed on the island in 1974 and that the Turkish Cypriots made significant gains. Turkish Cypriot MPs participated in discussions at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on the issue of Varosha, claiming that the 1984 UN Security Council resolution is outdated.

Holguin still engaged in contacts with UN officials

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Holguin still engaged in contacts with UN officials

UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin continues to engage with UN officials and will provide updates on her work. She will report to the Secretary-General and then provide information to the Security Council. Ms. Holguin will have a one-to-one meeting with the Secretary-General to discuss the facts and exchange views on the effort to resume talks. The government looks forward to an update from Ms. Holguin and wants an objective presentation of the facts, highlighting their commitment to the resumption of talks and alignment with agreed frameworks and resolutions.

‘, No greater concern than resolving the Cyprus issue’

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‘, No greater concern than resolving the Cyprus issue’

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated that the state’s main concern is the resolution of the Cyprus problem. He mentioned that the UN Secretary General’s personal envoy for the Cyprus problem, Maria Angel Holguin, will have a one-to-one meeting with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to discuss efforts to resume talks. Letymbiotis emphasized the commitment to the resumption of talks based on a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality. The timeline for Holguin’s efforts is decided by the UN Secretary General, and Letymbiotis expressed that they will not allow a ‘gravestone’ to be placed on the Cyprus problem.

More aid trucks expected to roll into Gaza

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More aid trucks expected to roll into Gaza

Israel allowed around 200 aid trucks into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, bypassing the blocked Rafah crossing. The aid shipments were agreed upon between U.S. President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Israel is facing pressure to provide more aid to Gaza after months of conflict causing destruction and hunger. The Rafah crossing has been closed for almost three weeks, with Egypt refusing to open its side. Israel has opened new crossing points and is cooperating with the United States to distribute supplies. Israeli strikes in Rafah have killed at least five Palestinians, with ongoing operations to root out Hamas fighters and rescue hostages. Efforts to agree on a ceasefire and return hostages have been ongoing, with some movement after meetings between Israeli and U.S. intelligence officials and the prime minister of Qatar. Hamas demands the complete and permanent end of aggression in all of Gaza, not just Rafah. Israel insists the war will not end until Hamas is eliminated.

President working , ‘tirelessly’ to restart talks

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President working , ‘tirelessly’ to restart talks

Cyprus’ president is working tirelessly to overcome the obstacles posed by the Turkish side and create conditions for the resumption of talks to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. The current state of affairs is not an option for the Greek Cypriot side.

UN envoy to brief Guterres on Cyprus issue in June

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UN envoy to brief Guterres on Cyprus issue in June

UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Maria Holguin, is set to brief Antonio Guterres on the Cyprus issue, probably in the first half of June. President Nikos Christodoulides reiterated that the Greek Cypriot side is ready for dialogue. There has been no response from the Turkish Cypriot side so far. The most recent contact with the Turkish side was after a meeting between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Christodoulides stated that if there is a genuine interest in the resumption of talks, he should not say more, especially in public.

President for Vasilikos: The state cannot be blackmailed; there is a plan B but I don’t want to get to that point

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President for Vasilikos: The state cannot be blackmailed; there is a plan B but I don’t want to get to that point

President Nikos Christodoulides is in contact with the company and various EU and non-EU member states to create prospects for the resumption of talks. The Vasilikos terminal project has three phases, with progress varying in each. The President will meet with the Ambassador of China to discuss the project, emphasizing the need for solutions to be found with goodwill. A plan B exists, but the government intends to proceed with the contract obligations.

Our View: The puzzle of UN envoy, ’s failed mission to restart talks

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Our View: The puzzle of UN envoy, ’s failed mission to restart talks

UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, left Cyprus after meeting with the leaders, including Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, with no progress made. Tatar rejected Holguin’s proposal for a meeting with her and President Nikos Christodoulides, citing the Turkish Cypriot side’s position on sovereign equality and equal international status. Holguin will report to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will decide the next steps in the peace talks. Christodoulides’ failure to persuade Tatar to agree to a meeting raises questions about the purpose of the failed initiative and the blame game surrounding the deadlock.

Holguin, ’s departure raises doubts (Update 2)

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Holguin, ’s departure raises doubts (Update 2)

Fact: Disy MP Averof Neophytou criticized the Christodoulides government for inaction, stating that the state leadership has confined itself to the role of observer and commentator.

UNSG personal envoy on third visit to Cyprus

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UNSG personal envoy on third visit to Cyprus

Maria Angela Holguin, the personal envoy of the UN Secretary General, will arrive in Cyprus on Tuesday evening and stay until May 14. This will be her third mission to the island as she seeks common ground between parties in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.