**Guterres Cyprus Visit ‘Very Significant’ for Peace Negotiations**
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to visit Cyprus from July 27 to 29, marking the first visit by a UN chief to the island in 16 years. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis described the visit as "very significant," emphasizing its potential role in advancing efforts to restart negotiations concerning the long-standing Cyprus problem.
In an interview with CyBC radio, Letymbiotis highlighted that Guterres’ visit is not merely ceremonial. The primary objective of the Secretary-General's trip is to help create the necessary conditions for an informal expanded conference on Cyprus. This initiative aims to address the ongoing division of the island and to encourage a constructive dialogue among the involved parties.
Letymbiotis underscored the importance of the visit as a clear message to those who have been resistant to change and have invested in maintaining the status quo. He expressed hope that an informal multilateral conference could occur before the end of the summer, contingent upon Turkey's willingness to adopt a more constructive stance and to move away from its demand for a two-state solution.
The government spokesman reiterated that any future negotiations must adhere to the framework established by United Nations Security Council resolutions. Furthermore, he emphasized that discussions should align with the principles, values, and legal order of the European Union, ensuring that any proposed solutions respect these established guidelines.
In preparation for Guterres’ arrival, President Nikos Christodoulides plans to convene a meeting with political party leaders. This gathering aims to brief them on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus issue and to align the political landscape ahead of the Secretary-General's visit.
The visit comes at a time when diplomatic efforts are intensifying to create favorable conditions for the resumption of formal negotiations on the island's division, which has persisted for decades. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, as the outcome of Guterres' visit may influence future discussions and the potential for a resolution to the Cyprus problem.