Rumors and misconceptions about efforts to resume talks aimed at resolving the Cyprus issue, high hopes and fears “about paving the way toward a new future,” misinformation that is poisoning the atmosphere between the two communities, and sweeping changes on the ground over the past decade, as noted, among other things, by the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, María Ángela Olguín, following her latest visit to Nicosia.

In a lengthy statement, Ms. Olguín attempts to respond to the flood of media reports in recent days and outlines the efforts being made by the United Nations to resume talks, the role of Brussels, Athens, and Ankara, as well as her own proposals to the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities for building a shared future “as well as ensuring that this process is successfully brought to completion.”

Read Ms. Olgin’s statement:

“During my visit to Cyprus from June 7 to 14, I met twice with leaders Nicos Christodoulides and Tufan Erhürman, and we discussed the next steps. I also held substantive discussions with political parties in the southern part of the island following the May 2026 parliamentary elections. All our efforts are aimed not only at launching negotiations, but also at ensuring that they are successfully brought to a conclusion.

Last week, in New York, I met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. He remains fully committed to supporting the search for a mutually beneficial solution for all Cypriots. In this context, he is exploring what the next steps might be to persuade both sides to take concrete steps toward a definitive solution, in the hope that optimism will guide both sides toward Cyprus’s future.

For decades, building trust has been difficult. The weight of history is heavy and must be addressed with wisdom, empathy, and generosity. Misinformation has also played a significant role. I understand that the political climate is always sensitive, but I still believe that trust can prevail if both sides align their thoughts and actions to definitively resolve their differences and disagreements.

In recent weeks, I have read various articles published by media outlets in both the southern and northern parts of the island. I have noticed that they are full of assumptions and creative interpretations, the result of rumors and misconceptions on both sides of the island. Not a single word in these articles comes from me. I have focused my work on listening to both sides and many other stakeholders from both communities. I know that expectations are high and that there is fear about opening a path toward a new future. Furthermore, amid this uncertainty, powerful forces are emerging that wish to maintain the status quo.

Following my visit to Cyprus, I traveled to Ankara and Athens, where I met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis. Our discussions were frank, clear, and focused on the areas where we all need to work to create the right conditions for concrete steps that will pave the way for progress on the Cyprus issue.

In this context, other actors, such as the European Union, have an important role to play, contributing decisively and with vision to the creation of a favorable environment for actively supporting a solution to the Cyprus problem.

All the working meetings I organized in Amman, Jordan, and in Brussels with the Youth Committee, at Wilton Park in the United Kingdom with the co-chairs of the 13 technical committees, as well as in Paphos with academics and politicians, have shown me that a constructive dialogue between Cypriots from both sides is possible.

From the outset, I took the time to listen to academics, politicians, representatives of the private sector, and civil society. They shared with me their visions, perspectives, fears, and views on realistic solutions. In this context, I recognize the broad spectrum of ideas upon which Cypriots can build a final and sustainable solution. I am committed to continuing to examine proposals and options, in order to facilitate the United Nations’ role in supporting the two leaders as they strive to reach an agreement that takes into account the fundamental interests of all Cypriots. It goes without saying that the sustained and sincere political will of the two leaders, with the support of their communities, will continue to be required in order to achieve a successful outcome.

I acknowledge the efforts made in the past and the difficult negotiations that have taken place over the years. Several United Nations Secretaries-General have attempted to bring the two sides closer together in the search for a solution. However, over the past ten years, the realities on the ground have changed significantly. I sincerely believe that a renewed dialogue can encourage both sides to agree on a path through which they can prosper in safety and with new opportunities. I am committed to bringing the two sides closer together, and I reiterate once again my call for them to look toward the future.

I am convinced that Cypriots can work together and share a common vision for the future of the younger generations. Cyprus truly has the potential to become a major regional player, united around common interests, while respecting its unique characteristics and diversity. Cyprus can be a place where bridges are built in every direction and peaceful coexistence is promoted in this complex region of the Eastern Mediterranean. In this way, it can serve as an example for the region, Europe, and the entire world.

This takes on even greater significance as we all observe that developments in the region are leading to increasing tension and confrontation between states. Under these circumstances, a decision that would benefit all Cypriots and put a definitive end to so many years of uncertainty becomes even more urgent. The current status quo no longer guarantees stability and security in today’s rapidly changing and turbulent world. Unfortunately, the ongoing conflicts and crises in various parts of the world confirm this.

We have explored every possible avenue to advance the dialogue toward an agreement that will be satisfactory to all. In the coming weeks and months, I will continue to make every possible effort, in cooperation with the Secretary-General, to support the Cypriots in reaching a common understanding and a final agreement that will bring security and prosperity to the entire island.

As part of my ongoing efforts, I reiterate my call to the Cypriots to jointly chart a prosperous and secure future that will safeguard and respect their interests and rights. I am committed and willing to explore every possible avenue to advance the dialogue toward an agreement that will be satisfactory to all parties involved. I sincerely hope that this time, the Cypriots will seize this historic opportunity to negotiate a lasting solution.

I understand how difficult it is to believe in a different Cyprus. But don’t give up. Don’t remain prisoners of a difficult past.”