UN Prepares for 5+1 Talks on Cyprus's Future

UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced in Nicosia on Wednesday that he intends to convene an informal 5+1 meeting on the future of Cyprus. The talks will bring together representatives of both Cypriot communities alongside the island's three guarantor powers: Greece, the United Kingdom and Turkey.

The initiative aims to define the next steps and revive the peace process, which has been stalled since 2017.

During his first official visit to the island as UN Secretary-General, Guterres met separately with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman.

The main challenge remains bridging fundamental differences in positions. The Greek Cypriot side favors a bi-zonal federation, while Turkish Cypriots are demanding guarantees of political equality.

Guterres, whose term as UN Secretary-General ends in 2026, emphasized his determination to help resolve a conflict that has strained regional relations and Turkey's dialogue with the EU since 1974.

(Reuters, Max)