UN envoy urges Cyprus leaders to seize peace opportunity amid Turkish minister's criticism

United Nations personal representative for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguín Cuellar, visited the island from 7–14 June, meeting Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Hristodulidis and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman twice each. She also held talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, urging both communities to protect their rights, pursue a shared prosperous future and move beyond the “status‑quo” that no longer guarantees stability. Holguín stressed that the goal is not to start a new negotiation round but to achieve a successful conclusion, noting that the United Nations, together with the European Union, remains ready to support concrete steps toward a lasting settlement.

Turkish Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu responded by accusing Holguín of exceeding her mandate, claiming she is acting as a mediator without UN authority. He referenced the 5+1 process (the 2017 Crans‑Montana conference, a 2021 meeting and two 2025 gatherings) that concluded there is no common ground for negotiations, and warned that “imposed scenario‑building” threatens a dangerous escalation. Ertuğruloğlu questioned whether a new “Annan Plan” conspiracy is being advanced and urged that the UN respect its limited role in the Cyprus issue.