**EU Supports UN Efforts for Cyprus Resolution Following Kallas Holguin Talks**
The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting United Nations (UN) efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive resolution to the longstanding Cyprus issue. This declaration was made by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas following her recent discussions with UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin.
The telephone conversation took place on Tuesday, just ahead of Holguin's scheduled visit to Brussels on Wednesday. This dialogue is part of a broader diplomatic initiative as the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is set to visit Cyprus next week.
Kallas characterized her conversation with Holguin as "good," highlighting that they discussed recent developments concerning the Cyprus issue. She emphasized the EU's steadfast commitment to backing UN-led efforts, stating, “The EU remains firmly committed to supporting the UN led efforts for Cyprus.” The EU foreign policy chief also noted the importance of maintaining momentum towards a comprehensive settlement.
The discussions between Kallas and Holguin are expected to continue during the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. Holguin's itinerary in Brussels includes a meeting with the European Commission’s Cyprus envoy, Raffaele Fitto, before she travels to Ankara for talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday.
These diplomatic engagements are part of a concerted effort to create favorable conditions for the resumption of formal negotiations aimed at resolving the Cyprus conflict. Guterres’ visit to Cyprus will include separate meetings with President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman, culminating in a joint meeting between the two leaders.
Both Christodoulides and Erhurman have expressed that any future discussions must yield meaningful progress rather than serving as mere formalities. This sentiment underscores the urgency and importance of the ongoing diplomatic efforts in addressing the complexities of the Cyprus issue.
As the situation develops, the EU and UN are poised to play crucial roles in facilitating dialogue and fostering an environment conducive to a sustainable resolution.