Holguín: “Property Issue Cannot Be Solved Through Shortcuts, I Am Hopeful About the New York Summit”

Holguín emphasized that both sides had invested considerable effort into the six-point package agreed during the Geneva meeting in March, which she described as a source of hope for the upcoming summit.

During her visit to the island, Holguín said she would be working closely with the leaders’ teams and underlined the importance of direct dialogue between the two sides. She added that convincing the public of the tangible and positive outcomes of such dialogue is essential.

Commenting on the disagreement regarding the appointment of an EU representative, Holguín acknowledged the European Union’s involvement in various projects on the island and stressed the importance of its contribution to the peace process. However, she noted that the form of the EU's involvement must ultimately be determined by the two sides on the island. She also highlighted the United Kingdom’s full support for the ongoing efforts.

Addressing the contentious legal battles over Greek Cypriot properties in the north, Holguín described these developments as a reflection of the consequences stemming from the absence of an official negotiation process. She reiterated that the property issue remains one of the most delicate and significant topics in the Cyprus problem, stating, “Unfortunately, there is no shortcut or easy solution to such a complex and critical issue. It must be addressed through comprehensive political negotiations between the leaders.”

Here is the full text of the interview: 

In his latest remarks, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that a number of specific initiatives were agreed upon in Geneva with the potential to build trust between the two sides. He also noted that if both parties remain committed, “further positive steps are possible.” In your assessment, do you believe both sides are genuinely committed to moving the process forward?

I came to Cyprus at a time of great uncertainty for the broader region, something that all Cypriots can easily comprehend given the proximity of the island. Against this deteriorated regional landscape, the work undertaken by the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders since the holding of the informal meeting in a broader format held in Geneva last March offers a glimpse of hope.

Since March, some progress has been achieved on the six initiatives agreed in Geneva: the new Technical Committee on Youth has been established and is now up and running; the agreement on the renovation of cemeteries is being implemented ; several important initiatives in the field of environment have started being considered. However, much remains to be done on the remaining initiatives agreed in March.  

During my visit, I will actively work with the leaders and their teams to facilitate discussions on the pending issues and identify new potential areas for joint work. The meeting in New York will then provide an important opportunity to review progress achieved thus far on the six agreed initiatives, to address remaining obstacles and to identify new and even more ambitious agenda both sides could work on in the following months to the benefit of all on both sides.

At the end of the day, this is what truly matters: improving the lives of people through the implementation of the agreed measures. This is the best way to convince people that dialogue between the leaders can lead to tangible positive results for all.  This is a prerequisite to achieve the most difficult task: bridging the gap prevailing in the position of the two sides in order to ultimately secure a lasting settlement to the Cyprus issue. If the leaders realise that a solution is best for the good of all the people, they will find a way. Listening carefully to the views and aspirations of the youth on both sides regarding the future of Cyprus could be key in this regard.  

Last week, you held a series of meetings in London and Brussels, including talks with key figures such as Johannes Hahn and António Costa. While the Turkish side has expressed discomfort with the EU’s involvement in the Cyprus process, it is clear that your meetings were not merely symbolic. In your view, how can the EU contribute constructively to the process? And what steps could be taken to encourage a shift in the Turkish side’s stance?

Last week, I had productive meetings in London and Brussels. Maintaining the engagement of the key regional and international players in support of the efforts of the leaders is critical. As Guarantor Power, the UK is fully engaged in supporting UN-led efforts and it intends to again actively participate in the next informal broader meeting in New York. As you know, the European Union has provided and continue to provide support to numerous trust building projects agreed by both sides such as the work carried out by the 13 technical committees working under the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders, the Committee on Missing Persons, the bi-communal Milia Milia water treatment plant just to name a few. Without the European Union support, many of those projects agreed by the leaders would not have been implemented.  

During past rounds of negotiations, the European Union played an important role in support of UN-led negotiations. This involvement was based on clear and precise modalities carefully negotiated between and agreed upon by the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders of the time. As is the past, it will be for the leaders to jointly decide if and how they wish to involve the European Union in their dialogue efforts. Mr. Hahn has received a mandate from the President of the European Commission, and we understand he is considering his next steps. I will, however, refrain to speak on his behalf about his own plans.    

In the current period, property lawsuits filed in the south against developments in the north have moved to the forefront of the agenda. While the Turkish Cypriot side argues that these legal actions are poisoning the negotiation process, President Christodoulides maintains that the judiciary operates independently. In your view, how are these ongoing cases impacting the broader peace efforts? And does the Turkish Cypriot side’s insistence on raising this issue in every meeting risk obstructing discussions on the core matters at hand?

The property issue has always been a key chapter in previous rounds of negotiations. The matter is close to the heart of many people on both sides for very understandable and obvious reasons. Ongoing developments on this important issue provides yet another reminder of the negative consequences of the absence of formal settlement negotiations. I will also add that the property issue can only be fully addressed through comprehensive political negotiations at the level of the leaders. Unfortunately, there are no possible “shortcuts” to address this complex and critical issue.  

Last month, you also held meetings in Athens and Ankara. In recent years, the improved relations between the two guarantor powers have been seen as a potential positive influence on the Cyprus issue. However, it now appears that both countries are choosing to set the Cyprus problem aside in their bilateral dealings. Do you believe this could change in the near future? And more specifically, do you see the possibility of a shift in Turkey’s stance depending on the outcome of the upcoming elections in the north — and if so, could that shift be a positive one?

The gradual improvement of the relations between Greece and Turkey positively impact regional peace and stability. This should not be minimized and taken for granted. The political will and determination displayed by President Erdogan and Prime Minister Mitsotakis need to be acknowledged. Their efforts also have a positive influence on the Cyprus issue: when both Guarantor Powers find ways to tackle bilateral issues through dialogue, it can only have a positive impact on the island’s stability. Also, improved relations have allowed Athens and Ankara to play a constructive role in support of the UN Secretary-General’s efforts since the hosting of the informal broader meeting last March.    

Kıbrıs Postası – Ulaş Barış