UN envoy urges political will for Cyprus settlement amid EU‑Turkey tensions

UN Secretary‑General’s personal envoy for Cyprus, Maria Anhela Olkin, said a lack of political courage is preventing a solution to the island’s division. She warned that stagnation is not a guarantee of stability and called on the two communities and their leaders to seize the current opportunity for progress. Olkin highlighted the role of the European Union and noted her contacts with officials in Nicosia, Athens and Ankara, stressing that the EU can help create conditions for concrete actions.

Greek Cypriot representative Lytimpiotis echoed the envoy’s remarks, stressing that the EU‑Turkey relationship must improve for any settlement to move forward. He pointed to the upcoming NATO summit, where the UN chief, the EU Commission President and the European Council President will be present, as a chance for side‑door contacts. Lytimpiotis said an informal multilateral meeting this summer, scheduled after Olkin’s planned visit to Brussels on 13 July, should aim to restart formal negotiations and that Turkey must demonstrate a constructive stance.

Both officials stressed that continued diplomatic engagement is essential to revive talks and reach a definitive, mutually acceptable agreement for Cyprus.