Reviving peace talks in Cyprus: diplomatic innovation and the new UN envoy; creative diplomacy needed for breakthrough in long-standing conflict

Abstract

On January 5, 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus. Her role is to determine the 'com­mon ground' from which peace talks can be resumed after standing still since 2017. The shift in Greece-Turkey relations holds regional potential, which could lead to progress in Cyprus. Nonetheless, there is an urgent need for creative diplomacy given the stalemate and changing regional dynamics. A new agenda based on regional integration could further efforts to establish common ground through process inno­vation, phased negotiations, deadlines, and the establishment of safeguards against future stalls. (author's abstract)