Maria Angela Holguin: The Level of Accumulated Disappointment is Highly Understandable

Highlighting that the level of accumulated disappointment after various negotiation attempts is "highly understandable," Holguin pointed out that rebuilding trust, a fundamental condition for building a future, is "seriously lacking" and emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust.

Holguin stated in a written statement released by the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus that her first visit to the island took place "quite satisfactorily" in line with the instructions of the UN Secretary-General. She later visited the capitals of two guarantor countries, Athens and Ankara.

Stating that her goal during her contacts on the island was to establish the first contact with the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders and listen to civil society actors, former negotiators, representatives of the international community, youth, academics, and other experts, Holguín said, "Different perspectives have enriched my understanding of the complexity of the situation, and there are many important critical voices that I still want to listen to."

Holguín, specifying that she will make her next visit to Cyprus after completing her contacts with the guarantor countries, stated that she hopes to meet again with the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, as well as political party leaders, chambers of commerce, and representatives of the social and economic sectors.

"I'm doing this job with great excitement and determination," said the Colombian diplomat in her statement, adding, "Seeking common ground requires careful listening that allows for the generation of new questions in meetings with decision-makers. As is natural with any disagreement, the cards are laid on the table. The level of accumulated disappointment following various negotiation attempts is highly understandable. Therefore, it is very important to rebuild the seriously lacking trust as a fundamental condition for building a future."

Holguin also emphasized the importance of "avoiding speculation" and thanked the media for their understanding and patience. She concluded, "I am committed to sharing everything cautiously and possible. I am doing this job with great excitement and determination."