laid the basis for subsequent negotiations. The second High-Level Agreement concluded in 1979, additionally provided for respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, demilitarisation as well as satisfactory guarantees of the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic. It also provided for priority to be given to the issue of the return of Ammochostos to its legal inhabitants. From May 2015 to June 2017, the launch of a new process of substantive negotiations renewed international interest, creating new positive momentum for resolving the problem. The process of these negotiations led to significant progress. As a result, in June 2017, the UN Secretary-General convened a Conference on Cyprus in Crans Montana, Switzerland. The Conference came to a standstill due to Turkey’s insistence on the permanent presence of military troops in Cyprus and on maintaining its invasive rights. On 27-29 April 2021, the UN Secretary General convened the informal 5+1 UN meeting for Cyprus, in Geneva, with the aim to achieve a breakthrough for the resumption of a process of negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem. Unfortunately, the refusal of Turkey and of the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community to reaffirm their commitment to the agreed basis of a bi-communal bi-communal federation with political equality as defined in UN resolutions, their insistence on the equal status of the “two-states” as a precondition for the resumption of negotiations and their rejection of the Secretary-General’s proposal for the appointment of a Special Envoy, led the effort to a deadlock. In addition, Turkey proceeded with the creation of new faits accomplis in the occupied areas of Cyprus, announcing further illegal actions in Varosha in violation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. These actions were condemned by the Security Council which issued a Presidential Declaration on July 23, 2021, calling for the immediate reversal of all illegal actions and for full respect of the relevant UN resolutions including the transfer of Varosha to the administration of the United Nations. The Secretary General’s commitment to the resumption of a meaningful negotiation process, which will lead to a mutually acceptable solution within the UN framework, is reflected in the appointment of Ms María Angela Holguín Cuéllar as his Personal Envoy as well as in the convention of the informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format, which took place on 17-18 March 2025, in Geneva. The decision by the European Commission, in May 2025, to designate Mr Johannes Hahn, as Special Envoy for Cyprus was of decisive importance, underlining the Commission's commitment to the reunification of Cyprus, with the aim of ensuring a functional and viable comprehensive settlement in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles, values and legislation of the EU.
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