Message from UNSG Personal
Envoy María Ángela Holguín
- 01 July 2026
During my visit to Cyprus from 7 to 14 June, I met twice with the leaders
Nikos Christodoulides and Tufan Erhürman and discussed the way forward.
I also engaged in rich conversations with political parties in the south
following the May 2026 parliamentary elections. Everything we are doing is
not only to start a negotiation but to ensure that it is carried out to a
successful conclusion. Last week, in New York, I met the UN Secretary-
General Antonio Guterres. He remains fully committed in his support to
find a mutually beneficial solution for all Cypriots. In this context, he is
evaluating which could be the next phases that will convince both parties
to take concrete steps towards a final solution; hoping that optimism can
drive both sides towards Cyprus’ future.
For decades, it has been difficult to build trust. The weight of history is
heavy and must be handled with wisdom, empathy and generosity.
Misinformation has also played a role. I understand that the political
atmosphere is always sensitive, but I still believe that confidence can
prevail if both parties put their minds and actions together to finally resolve
their differences and disagreements. In the last weeks, I have read
different articles published by media in the south and north of the island.
I noticed that they are rich in assumptions and creativity, the product of
rumors and false beliefs on both sides of the island. There is not a single
written word coming from me. I have concentrated my work on listening to
the parties and many other stakeholders from both sides. I know that
expectations are big and there is a fear of opening a door to building a
new future; and, moreover, under this uncertainty, strong forces appear to
want to keep the status quo alive.
Following my visit to Cyprus, I traveled to Ankara and Athens and met
Ministers Hakan Fidan of Türkiye and Giorgios Gerapetritis of Greece.
Our conversations have been frank, clear and focused on areas and
sectors all must work on so that the conditions created to foster concrete
actions would open the way to move forward on the Cyprus issue.
In this context, some actors also have a key role to play, such as the
European Union, to create an environment to propitiate with determination
and vision to actively support a solution to the Cyprus issue.
All the retreats that I have promoted in Amman, Jordan and Brussels with
the Youth Committee, in Wilton Park, UK with the co-chairs of the 13
technical committees, and in Paphos with academics and politicians have
shown me that a constructive dialogue is possible between Cypriots from
both sides.
Since the beginning, I have devoted time to listen to academics, politicians,
the private sector, and civil society at large. They have shared with me
their visions, perspectives, fears and understanding of feasible solutions.
In this context, I recognize the wide spectrum of their ideas from which
Cypriots could build a final and sustainable solution. I am committed to
keep exploring suggestions and options to enable the United Nations, to
support both leaders in their search to reach a settlement that takes into
account the fundamental interests of all Cypriots. Needless to say, that
sustained and genuine political will of the two leaders, supported by their
own communities, will continue to be needed to ensure a successful
outcome.
I recognize past efforts and difficult negotiations throughout history. Several
UN Secretary-Generals tried to bring the parties together in their search
for a solution. In the last 10 years realities on the ground have deeply
changed. I sincerely believe that a renovated dialogue could actually
motivate both sides to agree to a pathway in which both can prosper with
security and opportunities. I have dedicated myself to bringing both parties
closer together and I reiterate once again, my invitation to look to the future.
I am convinced that Cypriots can cooperate and share a vision of the future for the new
generations. Cyprus truly has the potential to become a central regional
actor by uniting around common interests, while respecting its own
internal characteristics and diversity. Cyprus can be a place where bridges
are built in all directions and coexistence is promoted in this complex
Eastern Mediterranean region. As such, Cyprus can truly become an
example for the region, for Europe and for the rest of the world.
This is particularly important as we can all observe that developments in
this region lead to increased tension and confrontation among countries.
In this context, a decision that favors all Cypriots and finally puts an end to
so many years of uncertainty becomes all the more urgent. The status quo
is no longer a guarantee of stability and security in today's fast-changing
and agitated world. Unfortunately, a flurry of ongoing conflicts and crises in
different parts of the world confirm this.
We have explored all possible ways to promote dialogue towards an
agreement that would be satisfactory for all. In the coming weeks and
months, I will continue sparing no efforts to work with the Secretary-Genera
l with the view to supporting Cypriots reaching an understanding and a final
agreement that will bring security and prosperity to the whole island.
In my relentless quest, I reiterate my invitation to Cypriots to design a
shared prosperous and secure future that will uphold and respect your
interests and rights. I am committed and willing to explore all possible
ways to promote dialogue towards an agreement that is satisfactory for all
stakeholders. It is my sincere hope that Cypriots, this time, will seize this
historic opportunity to negotiate a lasting solution. I understand the difficulty
in believing in a different Cyprus. But, don’t give up, don’t remain prisoners
of a difficult past.
END.
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