Today, an informal meeting on the Cyprus issue unfolds in Geneva, hosted by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in an expanded format.
Diplomatic sources note that while expectations remain modest, the ongoing dialogue initiated by Guterres is a constructive step forward.
The divide between the parties is stark, yet the participation of Turkey and Turkish Cypriots at the negotiating table marks a shift, given their prior insistence on a two-state solution as a precondition for talks. There is speculation that Guterres may propose a framework to sustain the process, potentially establishing a new informal five-party group with broader representation.
The UN Secretary-General is conducting bilateral meetings with delegation leaders throughout the day. His schedule began with a discussion with the UK’s Under-Secretary of State for European Affairs, Stephen Doity, followed by Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, concluding at 10 a.m. local time. Subsequent meetings included Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.
The day’s centerpiece, a five-party meeting, will convene at the Palais des Nations—UN headquarters in Geneva—starting later and wrapping up by 3 p.m. Each delegation, led by its head, will include four additional members. The previous evening, a working dinner allowed all parties to outline their positions.
Representing the EU, Julia Bertezolo, Head of the Support Unit for the Resolution of the Cyprus Problem, is present. At the dinner’s outset, European Council President Antonio Costa issued a message of support, endorsing Guterres’ efforts and reaffirming the EU’s commitment to Cyprus’ reunification via a bizonal, bicommunal federation. According to Nicosia-based diplomatic sources, a joint letter from Costa and the European Commission President, prompted by Cyprus, was also sent to Guterres yesterday.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides briefed Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the talks’ progress. Meanwhile, sources suggest Turkey is already working to derail resolution efforts, casting a shadow over the Geneva summit before it fully begins.