UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced a new initiative to resolve the Cyprus conflict during a visit to the island on Friday. Guterres said he had secured the agreement of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, as well as the guarantor powers—Greece, Turkey, and the UK—to participate in renewed talks. The move follows his earlier announcement of plans for a five-plus-one conference, with the UN working to create conditions for its success.

The European Commission’s newly appointed special envoy for Cyprus, Raffaele Fitto, arrived on the island for his first visit since taking the role. Fitto met with Christodoulides and Erhürman, emphasizing the EU’s intention to play a “very significant role” in the UN-led process. “The European Union is sending a very clear message: that it wishes to work and to take part with a very significant role in the United Nations process,” Fitto said . He added that the EU aims to “contribute positively” and will return to Cyprus in the coming months, expressing hope for “very significant results” in that timeframe.

Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos described Fitto’s visit as “particularly useful and constructive,” noting that discussions covered next steps and practical preparations. Kombos said Nicosia views the timing as critical, coming shortly after Guterres’ visit, and suggested that EU-Turkey relations could provide leverage for progress. “EU–Turkey relations are an issue that can serve as leverage,” Kombos said, adding that the Cypriot side has proposals to accelerate the process before Guterres’ term ends in December .

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus rejected the EU’s appointment of Fitto, arguing it lacks legitimacy without Turkish Cypriot consent. Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu criticized the move, stating it undermines impartiality and complicates settlement efforts . Erhürman, however, stressed the need for confidence-building measures between the two communities and with the EU during his meeting with Fitto .

Turkey’s ruling AK Party spokesman Ömer Çelik said discussions must align with UN parameters, responding to Fitto’s visit . Government sources in Cyprus clarified that confidence-building measures, such as new crossing points, are not a precondition for convening the next expanded conference .

Guterres’ initiative has drawn cautious optimism from local media. The Cyprus Mail noted that Ankara’s shift from its long-held position on a two-state solution marks a change, though its end goal remains unclear . Phileleftheros highlighted Guterres’ insistence on UN resolutions as a positive step, while political scientist Theodoros Tsakas emphasized the need for political realism and compromise from all sides .

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