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Holguin cancels Cyprus visit due to illness

Cyprus Mail · 2026-09-05

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, canceled her visit to Cyprus scheduled for September 10 due to health issues, as advised by her doctors against air travel. • Why it matters: Holguin's visit was significant as it would have facilitated a meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman, aimed at advancing discussions on the Cyprus issue and preparing a document outlining existing convergences for future negotiations. • What to watch next: President Christodoulides plans to meet with Erhurman in the coming week and is optimistic about preparing a document to support the resumption of negotiations, while Holguin is expected to seek meetings with both leaders during the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York.

**Holguin Cancels Cyprus Visit Due to Health Concerns**

Maria Angela Holguin, the UN Secretary-General's personal envoy for Cyprus, has canceled her upcoming visit to the island, originally scheduled for September 10, due to health issues. Reports indicate that Holguin was advised by her doctors against air travel, leading to the decision to withdraw from the trip.

Holguin was initially set to arrive in Cyprus on September 7 and participate in a crucial meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman, which was planned for September 9. However, her visit had already faced delays due to her health and was rescheduled before being fully canceled.

This trip would have marked Holguin's first visit to Cyprus since UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's visit in late July. Despite the cancellation, Holguin is expected to seek opportunities to meet with both leaders during the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York.

In light of Holguin's absence, President Christodoulides expressed optimism regarding the progress of discussions on the Cyprus issue. He indicated that a document outlining existing convergences on the Cyprus problem could be prepared ahead of Holguin's next visit. This document is seen as a potential foundation for an expanded conference and the resumption of negotiations.

When asked if the document would be ready in time for Holguin's return, Christodoulides emphasized the need for it to be presented to both sides and the guarantor powers. He expressed hope that the document would facilitate the resumption of talks, stating, “We hope that this document will be ready,” and noted that it could provide a strong basis for future negotiations.

Christodoulides further elaborated that once an agreement is reached on existing convergences, the focus could shift to areas of divergence. “Once we agree on the convergences, we know very well where there are no convergences, where the divergences are, negotiations can restart from the divergences,” he explained.

Looking ahead, the President mentioned plans for another meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman in the coming week, indicating ongoing efforts to advance discussions on the island's political situation.

As the situation develops, the international community continues to monitor the dynamics of the Cyprus negotiations, with the hope that constructive dialogue will resume in the near future.

Source: Cyprus Mail
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