**Guterres Commits to Fresh Five-Plus-One Meeting After Cyprus Visit**
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing discussions on the long-standing Cyprus issue by announcing plans for a new five-plus-one meeting. This announcement came following his recent visit to Cyprus, where he engaged in talks with both Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman.
During a press conference held on July 29, 2026, Guterres emphasized the importance of collaboration and compromise among the leaders to move forward. His visit marked the first by a serving UN Secretary-General to Cyprus in 16 years, underscoring the significance of the ongoing discussions surrounding the island's division.
Guterres indicated that the upcoming five-plus-one meeting would be organized only after thorough preparations are made. These preparations will focus on confidence-building measures and the methodology and substance of the talks, taking into account the progress that has already been made in previous discussions. However, no specific date for the meeting was provided.
During his discussions with Christodoulides and Erhürman, Guterres noted that both leaders expressed their commitment to continuing their cooperation with his personal envoy, María Angela Holguín. Holguín has been actively working to build on previous UN efforts and has been gathering insights directly from the Cypriot population.
The Secretary-General highlighted a common sentiment among many Cypriots he met during his visit, who expressed a desire for their leaders to make compromises and take significant steps toward a resolution. Guterres urged both leaders to intensify their efforts in implementing confidence-building measures, which are essential for fostering trust and dialogue between the two communities.
Additionally, he reiterated the importance of respecting the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), which operates in the buffer zone and along the UN-delineated ceasefire lines. Guterres praised the ongoing work of the Committee on Missing Persons and the bicommunal technical committees, which play a crucial role in addressing humanitarian issues and fostering cooperation between the two sides.
Guterres acknowledged the support of Cyprus's three guarantor powers—Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom—stressing their continued involvement is vital for the peace process. He stated, “The United Nations cannot impose peace,” but reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting Cyprus during this pivotal moment for the island and the broader region.
The Secretary-General's remarks come in the context of a series of previous UN-led talks on Cyprus, which have taken place in various locations, including Geneva, Crans-Montana, and Berlin, over the past several years. The ongoing efforts reflect the complexity of the Cyprus problem, which has persisted since the island was divided in 1974.
As the situation continues to evolve, Guterres's commitment to facilitating dialogue and cooperation among the leaders of Cyprus remains a critical component in the quest for a lasting solution to the island’s division. The international community is watching closely as preparations for the new five-plus-one meeting unfold, hoping for renewed momentum in the peace process.