Greek Cypriot Press Reports Low Expectations Ahead of New York Summit

Coverage focused on remarks made by the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, who recently stated that a bizonal, bicommunal federation is no longer a common reference point — a comment interpreted as confirmation of the widening gap between the two sides.

Kathimerini:
In its headline “Cyprus Problem Caught in a Game of Time”, Kathimerini reported that the New York meeting is seen as a way to “buy time” rather than achieve concrete progress. The paper said the goal appears to be keeping the process alive until the October 2025 presidential election in the north. The paper added that Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs), particularly the opening of new crossing points, remain on the agenda, with Holguin reportedly playing a leading role during her recent visit to the island.

Kathimerini also noted that Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides will attend the meeting without party leaders, while Turkish and Greek foreign ministers are expected to be present. The UK’s participation remains uncertain, and the presence of EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn is also unclear. According to diplomatic sources, the process will remain open until the political landscape in the north becomes clearer after October, with the potential for more substantial proposals between November 2025 and May 2026.

Concerns were also raised about the upcoming UN General Assembly and how U.S. President Donald Trump might respond to UN actions, including the future of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

Fileleftheros:
Under the headline “Crash Test of Positions and Intentions”, Fileleftheros highlighted the likely confrontation of the two sides' diverging positions during the New York meeting.

Alithia:
Alithia ran the headline “Cyprus Problem on Downward Slope”, arguing that the March and July meetings were not aimed at a solution, but rather at maintaining an illusion of diplomatic movement. The paper quoted AKEL leader Stefanos Stefanu, who expressed low expectations for the summit and reiterated support for negotiations based on the Guterres Framework.

Stefanu said a two-state solution is not an option for AKEL and insisted that the talks must preserve all previously achieved convergences. Speaking at a commemorative event marking the 15 July 1974 coup, Stefanu said he hopes the October election in the north might bring change and added that the Greek Cypriot side should approach New York with good will and readiness to negotiate.

Haravgi:
Haravgi also focused on Stefanu’s remarks, reporting that he reaffirmed his party’s commitment to the reunification of Cyprus ahead of the New York summit.