Guterres’s references to the convergences recorded point the way toward the resumption of talks

AKEL on the Cyprus problem following the UN Secretary General’s visit to Cyprus

30 July 2026, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The initiative undertaken by the UN Secretary-General with his visit to Cyprus, apart from its particular symbolic significance, left a significant mark with regards his intentions and the subsequent steps that must be taken.

His reference to his commitment to the solution of the Cyprus problem within the framework of the United Nations, to the need to go the last mile, and to taking into account the common ground that has already been achieved, confirm precisely the framework within which the sides must operate to break the impasse on the Cyprus problem and move things forward in the direction of the resumption of negotiations.

AKEL also shares this approach, arguing that a roadmap must be formulated that addresses both the procedural needs and the fundamental objective—which remains a solution based on the agreed framework of a Bi-zonal, Bi-communal Federation with political equality— as well as the preservation of the negotiation acquis, including the convergences registered and the Guterres Framework. This approach allows us to have a well-founded hope that we can cover the last mile. This was also the message conveyed by the demonstrations in support of a federal solution that took place on both sides of the barbed-wire of division during Guterres’s visit, which AKEL welcomes.

Nevertheless, the Secretary-General’s visit did not result in the announcement of an enlarged informal conference, which was the intended goal. It is evident that the UN Secretary-General is seeking to ensure that the convening of the conference is accompanied by the necessary guarantees for a successful outcome. It is evident he was not convinced that these are available at this stage, which is precisely why he underlined that it must be preceded by the necessary groundwork. This is also the responsibility of our side, bearing in mind that Mr. Guterres’s term is coming to an end soon, a UN Secretary-General who has demonstrated in practice his commitment to the effort to achieve a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the Resolutions of the UN Security Council and the agreed framework.