Cyprus peace talks move toward new comprehensive plan after UN appoints constitutional lawyer

The United Nations has appointed a constitutional lawyer to the Cyprus negotiations, which legal expert Christos Kleridis says signals the preparation of a new, comprehensive settlement package. He likens the prospective proposal to the earlier Annan plan, suggesting it could include a rotating presidency, special property arrangements in the occupied areas, legalization of many settlers and a Turkish‑Cypriot vote in federal bodies, while granting greater powers to the two constituent states.

UN special envoy Antonio Gueteres presented seven core parameters for a functional federal Cyprus, insisting on full alignment with UN Security Council resolutions and the EU acquis, rejecting any two‑state solution, and calling for the removal of foreign troops. Turkish‑Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman voiced strong opposition, demanding additional road‑link conditions, while the EU prepares to review the UN document before any international conference is convened.