in-cyprus 16 April 2025 - by Andreas Bimbishis
The reappointment of Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar as the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy to Cyprus faces delays due to contract disagreements, diplomatic sources told Fileleftheros.
The sources indicate the issues are administrative rather than political, as Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Colombian politician had already agreed on her return to the Cyprus peace process role.
Despite both sides supporting Holguin’s reappointment following the informal Geneva conference about a month ago, the matter remains unresolved. Officials expect developments after the Easter holidays.
Meanwhile, President Christodoulides announced yesterday that his next meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar will take place on May 5.
Speaking at the 15th Nicosia Economic Congress, Christodoulides said UN bureaucratic procedures for Holguin’s appointment are ongoing. “We look forward to the meeting and the announcement from the United Nations about her arrival in Cyprus,” he said.
Christodoulides added that preparations continue for the expanded conference the Secretary-General plans to convene in late July.
Tatar continues to advocate for a two-state solution, claiming support for this approach among Turkish Cypriots has surpassed 50%, while backing for federation has dropped to 25%.
The Turkish Cypriot leader also emphasised unity between Turkish Cypriots and those of Turkish origin, describing them as “one nation” and condemning what he called attempts to sow division, particularly regarding the recent headscarf issue.
Tatar insisted that thanks to relations with Turkey, the policy of “sovereign equality” has gained international attention, making it clear that Greek Cypriots are “responsible for the failure of federation talks.”
