The effort on the Cyprus problem, and its prospects, kept alive

Opinion Antonio GuterresCyprus problemturkeyUnited Nations The effort on the Cyprus problem, and its prospects, kept alive Guterres Cyprus Problem Un Relevant News Defence disputes car lock findings in Xylofagou boys’ deaths case 30 July 2026 The effort on the Cyprus problem, and its prospects, kept alive 30 July 2026 Nostalgia is not a good strategy 30 July 2026 Phileleftheros Editorial 30 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The visit by UN Secretary-General António Guterres achieved something. Not what was expected, nor what we’d hoped for. But the outcome of Mr Guterres’s trip to the island, the meetings he held, and his contacts with everyone involved outside Cyprus, kept the prospects for the Cyprus problem alive. And that matters. The much-discussed convening of an informal Five-Party Conference under UN auspices remains on the agenda, though no date has been set. The Secretary-General announced the convening of a new, expanded 5+1 meeting on the Cyprus problem, on condition that it take place “after sufficient preparation regarding confidence-building, methodology and substance,” noting that “the convergences already achieved are being taken into account.” So everyone agrees the Conference will be convened. But that shouldn’t be treated as certain. It will depend on how the preparations go, and on the talks that follow. He has made that clear himself. He will not, as he put it, convene a meeting that is doomed to fail. Naturally, that’s the right approach, since no one wants to see a fresh effort collapse. Perhaps Mr Guterres could have moved earlier, to save some time. It’s also encouraging that the Secretary-General has made clear his initiative both starts from and is grounded in UN resolutions. That matters, and we’re holding onto it for what comes next. It matters because Turkey, the occupying power, disputes exactly that. So there’s still ground to cover before the informal gathering is convened. It will take work, patience and, most importantly, willingness from the occupying side. That has always been, and remains, the key to reaching a Cyprus settlement. We should also note Mr Guterres’s remark, made during the press conference, that resolving the Cyprus problem is absolutely critical, “not only to safeguard the interests and peace of the Cypriot people, but also as a factor of stability in a region growing dangerously unstable.” That remark places Cyprus firmly within the region’s wider geopolitical equation. That recognition, of both the role and its significance, shouldn’t go unnoticed. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Defence disputes car lock findings in Xylofagou boys’ deaths case Nostalgia is not a good strategy SBA Police opens new marine unit station at Episkopi Bay Mediterranean at high risk as heatwaves boost disease spread across Europe, ECDC says Trafficking victim numbers remain worryingly high, says Commissioner Man reports shots fired at his car in Nicosia mystery case At least eight killed as Russia hits Ukraine, object crashes in Poland Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.