{"success":true,"data":{"id":"fc8f740c-9e09-41ec-b1e2-dc95e78c256f","title":"UN draws up new blueprint to end Cyprus crisis after 52 years of stalemate","summary":"Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. Not now Yes please US Edition Change Support Now × \"Clear search box\") Custom Search Sort by Relevance Date NewsNews World CupWorld Cup SportsSports CultureCulture LifestyleLifestyle MoneyMon...","content":"## Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent\n\nNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.\n\nNot now Yes please\n\nUS Edition Change\n\nSupport Now\n\n[×](javascript:void(0) \"Clear search box\")\n\nCustom Search\n\nSort by\n\nRelevance\n\nDate\n\n*   News[News](https://www.independent.co.uk/us)\n\n*   World Cup[World Cup](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup)\n\n*   Sports[Sports](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport)\n\n*   Culture[Culture](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment)\n\n*   Lifestyle[Lifestyle](https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style)\n\n*   Money[Money](https://www.independent.co.uk/us/money)\n\n*   Travel[Travel](https://www.independent.co.uk/us/travel)\n\n*   Premium[Premium](https://www.independent.co.uk/independentpremium)\n\nMore\n\nMore\n\n### Thank you for registering\n\nPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in\n\n# UN draws up new blueprint to end Cyprus crisis after 52 years of stalemate\n\n## María Ángela Holguín, the UN secretary-general's personal envoy for Cyprus, has been working on a deal which is flexible enough for both sides to claim they have got what they want\n\n[David Maddox](https://www.independent.co.uk/author/david-maddox)Political Editor Sunday 12 July 2026 09:12 BST\n\n*   Copy link  \n*   Bookmark  \n*   [Comments](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/cyprus-crisis-united-national-solution-b3009857.html#comments-area)Go to comments  \n\n## Bookmark popover\n\nRemoved from bookmarks\n\nClose popover\n\nClose\n\nPowered By\n\n10 Sec\n\n7.6K\n\n00\n\nBritain's RAF base in Cyprus targeted by Shahed drone, says Cyprus President\n\nNext video in\n\nNext\n\nKEEP WATCHING\n\n### Your support helps us to tell the story\n\nFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.\n\nAt such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.\n\nThe Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.\n\n**Your support makes all the difference.**\n\nA deal being drafted by the United Nations to end the [Cyprus crisis](https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/cyprus-uk-travel-advice-safe-iran-war-b2950671.html \"Is it safe to travel to Cyprus? Latest travel advice for holidaymakers amid Middle East conflict\") could end 52 years of stalemate with a watered down federal solution close to [Turkish demands](https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/turkey-comedian-deniz-goktas-erdogan-b3008517.html \"Turkish comedian jailed over viral stand up show insulting President Erdogan\") for two separate states.\n\nThe prospect of a deal would be hugely significant for the UK because of the ongoing status of its[two sovereign bases](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iran-us-military-bases-strikes-trump-israel-b2993766.html \"Where are US and UK military bases in the Middle East as Iran launches new strikes?\") on the island which are crucial for dealing with problems in the Middle East.\n\nIt also follows an attack by Iran on one of those bases during the recent war started by Donald Trump and the relocation of UK destroyer [HMS Dragon](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/hormuz-mine-clearing-rfa-lyme-bay-b2982730.html \"British warship awaits peace deal for vital mine-clearing mission in Strait of Hormuz\")to protect British and allied interests there.\n\nThe Mediterranean island has been formally split since 1974 after a military coup on the island saw an attempt to unite it with Greece and an outbreak of fighting between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots.\n\nopen image in gallery\n\nCyprus' President Nikos Christodoulides, (L) and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman (R) meet with the Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-Generalon Cyprus Maria Angela Holguin(AFP/Getty)\n\nThe intervention by the Turkish army on 20 July 1974 led to the island being divided between north and south with the unrecognised Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) unilaterally declaring independence in 1983.\n\nUndo\n\nUndo\n\n[](https://promopage.net/bbd95519-b28b-45c8-ae05-92fc5b5bbaf2)[Doctors Beg: Rub This 1 Mineral On Your Foot For Edema Relief Morning Vitality | [Sponsored](https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&utm_source=eslmedia-theindependent&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=alternating-thumbnails-stream-1x4:Mid%20Article%20Thumbnails%20II:)[Sponsored](https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&utm_source=eslmedia-theindependent&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=alternating-thumbnails-stream-1x4:Mid%20Article%20Thumbnails%20II:)](https://promopage.net/bbd95519-b28b-45c8-ae05-92fc5b5bbaf2 \"Doctors Beg: Rub This 1 Mineral On Your Foot For Edema Relief\")\n\nUndo\n\n[](https://www.walkergrey.com/products/the-last-summer-shorts-you-ll-ever-want-to-wear)[Men Can’t Get Enough of These Summer Shorts Walkergrey | [Sponsored](https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&utm_source=eslmedia-theindependent&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=alternating-thumbnails-stream-1x4:Mid%20Article%20Thumbnails%20II:)[Sponsored](https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&utm_source=eslmedia-theindependent&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=alternating-thumbnails-stream-1x4:Mid%20Article%20Thumbnails%20II:)](https://www.walkergrey.com/products/the-last-summer-shorts-you-ll-ever-want-to-wear \"Men Can’t Get Enough of These Summer Shorts\")\n\nUndo\n\nHowever, María Ángela Holguín, the UN secretary-general's personal envoy for Cyprus, has been working on a deal with the TRNC arguing that the status of Turkish Cypriots is not being treated equally as was originally agreed when the island was given independence from the British empire in 1960.\n\nDetails seen by The Independent suggest that Ms Holguin is proposing a looser solution within the EU moving away from the federal model of previous negotiations.\n\nShe is understood to hope that the structure is one that Greek Cypriots could call a federation and Turkish Cypriots a confederation - bridging the gap through deliberate \"constructive ambiguity.\"\n\nUnder the TRNC’s previous president Ersin Tatar, backed by the Turkish government in Ankara, the Turkish Cypriots pushed for a pure two state solution. But since winning the election last year the TRNC’s new president Tufan Erhürman has adopted a more flexible approach.\n\nCrucially, the UN draft solution would potentially create two constituent states with political equality and a drastic reduction in shared competences; most day-to-day governance handled by the two states, with a small central structure for what cannot be left to each side.\n\nBut in exchange for recognition and autonomy, the TRNC would have to cede land including the deserted resort of Maraş (Varosha).\n\nFor shared competences there would be a rotating presidential council led by the two leaders (a 2-1 or 3-1 ratio in favour of the Greek Cypriot side); an overarching council of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot MPs rather than a directly elected federal parliament; a joint cabinet of roughly five or six ministries (foreign affairs, defence, internal affairs/citizenship, finance, European affairs).\n\nMembers of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) patrol along the buffer zone separating the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus and the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus(AFP/Getty)\n\nAt least one decisive vote for a Turkish Cypriot minister in the Council of Ministers - central to genuine political equality - is being proposed as a safeguard but could become a sticking point in the talks.\n\nThe Cypriot government in the south wants to see the removal of Turkish forces from the island which they consider to be an army of occupation while the TRNC insists it is there for their protection.\n\nTo deal with the guarantor system set up in 1960 of the UK, Turkey and Greece would be replaced with a Nato formula, potentially allowing a small multinational presence on the island.\n\nThe UN is understood to be looking at a two or three year transition period, with initial territorial returns (Varosha first) and the gradual introduction of the Turkish Cypriot side's \"three Ds\" - direct trade, direct flights and direct contacts - plus easing of Turkish restrictions and access to Turkish ports.\n\nThere is also a hope of possible movement on natural gas exploitation, and an explicit tie between a Cyprus settlement and the Türkiye-EU agenda with regards to the customs union, making this part of a broader EU-Turkey package.\n\nIt is understood that the TRNC’s President Erhürman is more ready to negotiate such a framework; while Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides is more hesitant, balancing the process against domestic political pressures.\n\nThe talks have been ongoing for decades with the Annan deal being rejected at the last minute by the Greek Cypriots in 2004. An attempt at talks in Crans Montangne in 2017 almost revived the deal but also failed.\n\nSpyros Miltiades, deputy high commissioner for Cyprus in London, said: “As far as I know, there has been no formal UN proposal that either side has been asked to respond to. The ideas being circulated appear to be speculative rather than a concrete proposal or plan. Any meaningful progress would need to come through the established UN-led process and within the agreed UN framework.”\n\nPicture of Turkish paratroopers land in Cyprus, 20 July 1974, during Turkey’s invasion of north Cyprus(AFP/Getty)\n\nTRNC President Erhürman said on Facebook: “Our people's will for a solution is clear. We have stated our support for the efforts of UN secretary-general and we continue to support them.\n\n“We had said that there was no plan, only some ideas (if anyone had doubts, I think they have understood that there should be no doubt with the new statements). Nevertheless, we informed our Political Parties Council, our trade unions, our Youth Coordination Desk, our business organizations, and anyone who wished to be informed about the ideas.\n\n“Our only concern is the rights, future, equality, security, and engagement with the world of our people, especially our children, and the preservation of the position of Turkish Cypriots as ‘subjects.’”\n\nIn a statement on 1 July Ms Holguín said: “I recognise past efforts and difficult negotiations throughout history.","source_name":"The Independent","source_url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/cyprus-crisis-united-national-solution-b3009857.html","url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/cyprus-crisis-united-national-solution-b3009857.html","author":"David Maddox","author_name":"David Maddox","published_at":"2026-07-12T08:12:32.000Z","publication_date":"2026-07-12T08:12:32.000Z","image_url":"https://pl.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?hash=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&stnaInterval=0","category":"world","topic":"world","tags":[],"political_bias":null,"bias_score":null,"confidence_score":null,"credibility_score":null,"factual_quality":null,"reading_time":8,"word_count":1432,"view_count":0,"breaking":false,"breaking_news":false,"ai_analysis":null,"fact_check_status":"unverified","archive_status":"hot"}}