Archive · 16 Dec 2025
UN Envoy Optimistic on Cyprus Talks
The UN envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, met with the leaders of Greek and Turkish Cypriots to talk about peace.
She said the talks were good and honest, but it's too early for a big meeting with many countries.
Cyprus has been divided for a long time, and the UN wants to help bring peace.
The leaders agreed to focus on building trust.
The island has been split since 1974, with Greek Cypriots in the south and Turkish Cypriots in the north.
The UN hopes to have a bigger meeting later to discuss how to move forward.
UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin met with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman on December 11.
The discussion was described as deep, sincere, and straightforward, focusing on confidence-building.
Holguin expressed cautious optimism but said it's premature to convene a multi-nation summit (5+1 meeting).
The 5+1 meeting would include the two Cypriot communities, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and representatives from Britain, Turkey, and Greece.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, with Greek Cypriots in the south and Turkish Cypriots in the north.
- Who
- UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin, Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman
- What
- Discussions on Cyprus's division and potential peace talks
- When
- December 11 and December 16
- Where
- Nicosia, Cyprus
- Why
- To break a seven-year stalemate in peace talks and establish a climate of trust
- UN Envoy
- Maria Angela Holguin
- Meeting Date
- December 11
- Greek Cypriot Leader
- Nikos Christodoulides
- Turkish Cypriot Leader
- Tufan Erhurman
- Potential Summit
- 5+1 informal meeting
- Conflict Duration
- Seven-year stalemate
- Guarantor Powers
- Britain, Turkey, Greece
- Cyprus Independence
- 1960