Researchers propose a new consultative model for the Cyprus peace process at an event hosted by UNFICYP at Ledra Palace, the Cyprus Peace Dialogue Center said in an announcement.

“The Cyprus peace process is in urgent need of updating at a time when the world is changing rapidly around us”, it said. On Thursday, at an event hosted by UNFICYP at Ledra Palace, a group of researchers and academics working under the auspices of CPDC proposed an “Ost-Belgien” model for Cyprus.

“Having examined other systems, and drawing on the leaders’ “common understanding” in July 2025 for “a consultative body for civil society engagement”, the research team proposes a two-tier Consultative Body mandated by the leaders, comprising a Standing Civic Advisory Council, which manages the deliberative process, and rotating-member Civic Assembly, randomly selected from ordinary citizens using professional methods, which is tasked by the Advisory Council to make proposals to update and enhance the design of the negotiations process”, it said.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week. An informal meeting in broader format that was expected to take place before the end of 2025, is yet to be announced.

María Angela Holguín, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties, while former European Commissioner Johannes Hahn, designated by the Commission as Special Envoy for Cyprus, is also expected to contribute to the settlement process, in cooperation with Holguín.

Source: Parikiaki.com