**Guterres Advocates for Enhanced Preparation Ahead of Next Round of Cyprus Talks**
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need for thorough preparation ahead of the next informal expanded meeting regarding the Cyprus issue. Speaking at a press conference in New York on Friday, Guterres outlined the United Nations' commitment to collaborating with both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides, as well as the three guarantor powers—Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom—to ensure that the upcoming talks are productive.
During the press conference, Guterres reflected on his recent visit to Cyprus, which he described as a crucial experience that underscored the urgency of restarting meaningful negotiations. "My visit to Cyprus showed that in a region that is changing rapidly and becoming increasingly unstable, the search for solutions is more urgent than ever," he stated.
The Secretary-General confirmed his intention to convene another informal "5+1" meeting, which involves the leaders of the two communities and representatives from the guarantor powers. He noted that this meeting would take place after consultations focused on confidence-building measures, methodology, and substantive issues. "Based on our discussions on the way forward, I have decided that I will convene another 5+1 meeting, after adequate preparation in terms of confidence-building measures, methodology and substance, taking into account the convergences that have already been achieved," Guterres explained.
Addressing concerns about the effectiveness of previous meetings, Guterres highlighted the importance of detailed groundwork before leaders reconvene. He acknowledged that past 5+1 meetings had struggled to reach conclusions due to insufficient preparation. "We have had several 5+1 meetings that could not conclude because they were not well prepared. This time, we must prepare the next meeting well, to ensure that it leads to a solution," he remarked.
The Secretary-General also assured that the UN would engage in consultations with all participants prior to the next round of discussions. "We will work in consultation with both sides and the guarantor powers to create the conditions for the success of the meeting," he said.
While Guterres did not specify a timeline for the next meeting, he emphasized that it would occur only after adequate preparation aimed at enhancing the likelihood of meaningful progress. The informal five plus one format has been a critical platform for dialogue in the ongoing efforts to resolve the longstanding division of Cyprus.
The situation in Cyprus remains complex, with historical tensions between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. The UN has been actively involved in facilitating dialogue and seeking a resolution to the conflict, which has persisted since the island was divided in 1974.
As the international community watches closely, Guterres' call for stronger preparation signals a renewed commitment to finding a viable solution to the Cyprus issue, with hopes that the next meeting will pave the way for significant advancements in the peace process.