Russian Foreign Minister Supports UN Envoy's Efforts in Cyprus Peace Talks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, in Moscow on May 3, 2024, to discuss the ongoing efforts to resume negotiations between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities on the divided island. During the joint meeting, Lavrov expressed Russia's support for Holguin's work in creating conditions conducive to the resumption of peace talks.

Why this matters: A peaceful resolution to the Cyprus issue could have significant implications for regional stability and energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean. Moreover, a successful negotiation could serve as a model for resolving other long-standing ethnic and territorial disputes around the world.

In a statement released by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lavrov emphasized that any settlement model should be "fair, sustainable, and based on the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council," with the outcome determined by the Cypriots themselves, taking into account their legitimate interests. He reiterated Russia's readiness to contribute to the efforts of the UN envoy in facilitating dialogue between the Cypriot parties.

Lavrov also commended the role of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and the good offices mission of the UN Secretary-General in maintaining stability on the island, which he considered a necessary precondition for intercommunal dialogue. He stressed Russia's willingness to participate in the UNFICYP and continue contributing to the effectiveness of the UN's work in this direction.

During her visit to Moscow, Holguin and her team of experts held extensive consultations with Russian Deputy Foreign Ministers Sergey Vershinin and Alexander Grushko on various aspects of the Cyprus issue, exploring the UN's role in seeking a solution to this long-standing problem. The UN envoy's trip to Moscow comes ahead of her scheduled visit to Cyprus on Tuesday, where she is set to meet with President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar on Wednesday.

The Cyprus issue has remained unresolved for decades, with the island divided between the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south and the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey. Numerous rounds of UN-mediated negotiations have failed to yield a comprehensive settlement, with key points of contention including governance, security, and property rights.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia has consistently supported a peaceful resolution to the Cyprus problem, advocating for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. Moscow has also maintained close ties with both sides of the divide and has previously hosted Cypriot leaders for informal talks.

The international community, including the European Union and the United States, has repeatedly called for the resumption of substantive negotiations to end the division of Cyprus. The discovery of significant offshore natural gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean has added a new dimension to the dispute, with both communities claiming rights to the resources.

As Holguin continues her diplomatic efforts, the support expressed by Russia and other key international actors is seen as vital in creating a conducive environment for the Cypriot parties to return to the negotiating table. However, bridging the long-standing differences and finding a mutually acceptable solution remains a formidable challenge, requiring political will, compromise, and trust-building measures from both sides.

Key Takeaways

• Russia's FM Lavrov met with UN's Holguin to discuss resuming Cyprus peace talks.
• Lavrov expressed support for a "fair, sustainable" settlement based on UN resolutions.
• Russia is ready to contribute to UN efforts and facilitate dialogue between Cypriot parties.
• The Cyprus issue has remained unresolved for decades, with key points of contention including governance and security.
• International support, including from Russia, is seen as vital in creating a conducive environment for negotiations.