Cyprus Peace Talks Show Progress After Eight-Year Stalemate

UN-led discussions in Geneva yield confidence-building measures and plans for further dialogue, though major disagreements remain unresolved.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hosted informal talks in Geneva, marking the first significant progress in Cyprus peace efforts since 2017.
Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders agreed on six confidence-building measures, including opening crossing points, demining, and collaborating on environmental projects.
The talks concluded with plans for a follow-up meeting in July 2025 and the appointment of a new UN envoy to support ongoing dialogue.
Despite the progress, deep divisions persist, with Greek Cypriots favoring a federation model and Turkish Cypriots advocating for a two-state solution.
Both sides, along with guarantor powers Greece, Turkey, and Britain, expressed cautious optimism about the renewed commitment to negotiations.