Cyprus Problem Today
Essence of the Problem
Cyprus remains a divided island. The northern part (36.2%) has been occupied by Turkey since 1974. The international community does not recognize this division.
Negotiations under the Auspices of the UN
All negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus are conducted under the auspices of the UN.
❓ Under whose leadership are the negotiations on the Cyprus problem conducted? → UN
Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General
María Ángela Holguín (Colombia) — appointed by Secretary-General António Guterres in 2025; coordinates the negotiation process on the reunification of Cyprus.
UN Special Representative in Cyprus
Khassim Diagne — hosts the Christodoulides–Erhürman meetings in the buffer zone.
Negotiation format: 5+1
Talks are held in the 5+1 format: Cyprus, Northern Cyprus, the three guarantor states (Greece, Turkey, the United Kingdom) and the UN.
Current state of negotiations (2025–2026)
Tufan Erhürman — new leader of the Turkish Cypriot community
19 October 2025 — Tufan Erhürman (Republican Turkish Party) defeated incumbent Ersin Tatar 62.76% vs 35.81% in the Turkish Cypriot leadership election. Erhürman supports the resumption of negotiations on reunification (Tatar had backed a "two-state solution").
Christodoulides–Erhürman meetings
| Date | Where | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| 11 December 2025 | Buffer zone, Nicosia (UN auspices) | First full meeting. Agreed on halloumi PDO exports, more staff at crossings, road widening at Agios Dometios |
| 24 February 2026 | UN auspices | "Keep the channel of communication open"; discussion of crossing points and an expanded 5+1 conference |
| 6 April 2026 | UN Special Representative's residence in the buffer zone | Described as "productive"; negotiators tasked with advancing the new crossing points |
| 8 May 2026 | Buffer zone near Nicosia airport (tête-à-tête, no media) | CBMs and tensions in the buffer zone (incl. Pyla); awaiting an early announcement of an expanded 5+1 meeting |
Confidence-building measures in progress
- 16 April 2026 — Inspections of halloumi producers in the Turkish Cypriot community began for PDO export across the Green Line into the EU.
- 13 February 2026 — Erhürman insisted that the convergences reached at Crans-Montana (2017) be preserved as the basis for any future negotiations.
UNFICYP
Full name: United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP)
When established: 1964
Tasks:
- Patrolling the buffer zone
- Preventing incidents
- Humanitarian assistance
Headquarters: Nicosia
“TRNC” — Unrecognized Entity
In 1983, the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC) was proclaimed in the occupied territory.
Key fact: The “TRNC” is recognized by no country in the world except Turkey.
This means:
- No international flights directly to the north
- No embassies of other countries
- Economic isolation
Attempts at Unification
Annan Plan (2004)
What: UN plan for the reunification of Cyprus
Referendum: 24 April 2004
Result:
- Greek Cypriots: 76% against
- Turkish Cypriots: 65% in favor
The plan was not adopted.
Negotiations in Crans-Montana (2017)
The last major attempt at negotiations. It did not lead to an agreement.
Crossing Points
Since 2003, it has been possible to cross the dividing line through official checkpoints:
| Checkpoint | Where | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ledra Street | Nicosia | Pedestrian |
| Ledra Palace | Nicosia | Car + pedestrian |
| Agios Dometios (Metehan) | Nicosia | Car |
| Astromeritis | West of Nicosia | Car |
| Lefka / Apliki | West | Car |
| Pergamos | Larnaca district | Car |
| Strovilia | Dhekelia | Car |
Important: When crossing, your documents may be checked. Entry into the occupied territory via the ports and airports in the north is illegal from the point of view of the Republic of Cyprus.
Proposed new crossings (under discussion 2025–2026)
A March 2025 agreement proposed the opening of 4 new crossings:
- Athienou–Aglandjia (via Pyroi) — the main candidate
- Kokkina (transit road)
- Lurujina
- Mia Milia
The Turkish side has so far blocked the Athienou–Aglandjia route, citing consultations with the Turkish military (April 2026).
Turkish Troops in Cyprus
In the occupied territory there are ~43,000 Turkish soldiers — one of the highest concentrations of troops in the world relative to the population.
Position of the International Community
| Organization | Position |
|---|---|
| UN | Resolutions demand withdrawal of troops |
| EU | EU territory, but the acquis is not applied in the north |
| USA | Supports negotiations, against partition |
| Russia | Supports territorial integrity |
What to Remember
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Under whose auspices are the negotiations | UN |
| Negotiation format | 5+1 |
| UN Personal Envoy | María Ángela Holguín (Colombia) |
| UN Special Representative in Cyprus | Khassim Diagne |
| Turkish Cypriot leader (since Oct 2025) | Tufan Erhürman |
| Christodoulides–Erhürman meetings | 11 Dec 2025, 24 Feb 2026, 6 Apr 2026, 8 May 2026 |
| Proposed new crossings (2025–2026) | Athienou–Aglandjia, Kokkina, Lurujina, Mia Milia |
| Peacekeepers | UNFICYP, since 1964 |
| Who recognizes the “TRNC” | Only Turkey |
| Annan Plan | 2004, rejected by Greek Cypriots |
| Is it possible to cross the line | Yes, through checkpoints |