**Holguin Meets Fidan in Ankara: A Step Towards Renewed Cyprus Negotiations**
On Monday, Maria Angela Holguin, the United Nations envoy for the Cyprus problem, met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara as part of her ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the longstanding issues surrounding Cyprus. The meeting is a continuation of Holguin's series of discussions aimed at reviving formal negotiations regarding the divided island.
While details of the meeting have not been disclosed by either the UN or the Turkish foreign ministry, sources have indicated that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has endorsed a "new initiative" proposed by the UN. This initiative seeks to facilitate the resumption of negotiations concerning the Cyprus issue, which has remained unresolved for decades.
Erdogan reportedly believes that the protracted lack of a solution has had adverse effects on Turkey, attributing these challenges to circumstances beyond its control. This perspective aligns with Turkey's historical involvement in the Cyprus issue, particularly its support for both the 2004 referendum and the 2017 negotiations, which were ultimately rejected by the Greek Cypriot side. Sources suggest that Erdogan's approach reflects a "pragmatic and constructive stance," emphasizing Turkey's willingness to engage in dialogue in hopes of reaching a resolution.
Holguin's recent meetings also included discussions with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman last Friday. Following these meetings, Holguin announced plans to meet with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis later this week before heading to Brussels. After her visit to Brussels, she intends to return to Cyprus for further discussions with both Christodoulides and Erhurman before the end of the month.
A significant aspect of Holguin's mission is the preparation for an enlarged meeting on the Cyprus problem, which is tentatively scheduled for late July or early August. This meeting will involve representatives from both sides of the island, the three guarantor powers—Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom—and the UN. Holguin has emphasized the importance of achieving tangible results from this upcoming meeting.
In statements following her discussions, President Christodoulides expressed optimism about the potential outcomes, stating that the objective is to pave the way for an enlarged meeting where the resumption of talks can be officially announced. Meanwhile, Erhurman, although not making specific comments after his meeting with Holguin, highlighted the necessity for the enlarged meeting to produce meaningful results.
The ongoing diplomatic efforts led by Holguin signify a renewed commitment to addressing the complexities of the Cyprus problem, with hopes that the forthcoming meetings will lead to constructive dialogue and, ultimately, a resolution that benefits all parties involved.