Geneva: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday launched an informal meeting on the Cyprus conflict, bringing together leaders of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, alongside representatives from the three guarantor states: Greece, Turkiye, and the UK.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the meeting commenced on Monday with an informal dinner and proceeded on Tuesday in Geneva. It was chaired by the UN Secretary-General and attended by Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, and representatives from the guarantor states. These included Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and UK Minister of State for Europe, North America, and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty.
The Secretary-General previously noted that this expanded meeting aligns with his ongoing efforts to resolve the Cyprus conflict and his commitment since October 15, 2024. He explained that the meeting aims to provide a platform for constructive discussions to resolve the long-standing dispute.
The Cyprus dispute has persisted for over fifty years between the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus, a UN and EU member, and the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which unilaterally declared its independence in 1983-a move recognized only by Turkiye.
As with previous dialogues on the Cyprus conflict, it is anticipated that the parties will not reach an agreement regarding international recognition and the constitutional and political sovereignty of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.