Holguin describes Cyprus solution as both near and far

Maria Angela Holguin, the Personal Representative of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stated that a resolution to the Cyprus problem is simultaneously very distant and very close.

Speaking to Alithia newspaper, Holguin explained that a solution remains distant due to a lack of sufficient political will to address the difficult issues required for a comprehensive settlement. She noted that recent discussions between leaders have not resulted in progress regarding border crossings or other Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), and no agreement has been reached on the methodology needed before any negotiation process can begin.

Conversely, Holguin suggested a solution is close because both sides are aware of their mutual interests and how they might align. She emphasized that the number of proposals offered by leaders—such as the 7 suggestions from Tufan Erhürman or the 19 from Nikos Hristodulidis—is less important than whether the leaders possess the capacity and political will to implement them. Holguin maintained that the ultimate responsibility for a solution lies with the Cypriots themselves.