UN secretary-general to visit divided Cyprus for first time since 2010

UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his delegation are set to arrive in Cyprus on Monday for his first visit to the divided island since 2010, LRT reports, citing local media.

During his three-day trip, Guterres aims to revive stalled negotiations between the island’s two communities—Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. This may be his final attempt, as his second term as UN chief concludes at the end of the year.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following a coup by Greek Cypriot nationalists and Turkey’s subsequent military intervention. In 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was declared, though it is recognised only by Turkey. The entire island formally joined the European Union in 2004, but EU law applies only in the Greek Cypriot south. The capital, Nicosia, remains split, with a UN-monitored buffer zone separating the two sides.

Crossing between the communities is possible through designated checkpoints. In recent years, positions have hardened: Greek Cypriots favour a federal solution with two states under a strong central government, while Turkish Cypriots push for a two-state settlement with loose confederation ties.