Philenews

Perhaps Her Goals Don't Allow Her to 'Get Dirty' with the Cyprus Issue

Published February 16, 2026, 09:17
Perhaps Her Goals Don't Allow Her to 'Get Dirty' with the Cyprus Issue

Maria Angela Holguin, the Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Cyprus, has faced criticism for her approach to the issue. Initially, she tried to differentiate herself from her predecessors, but ultimately followed a similar tactic, focusing on groups willing to accept a solution. This, according to the article, created an illusion that the solution could be imposed from the bottom up. Holguin faced difficulties in communicating with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, and her mission was delayed. Recently, she returned to the island and proposed that the leaders focus on Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) before restarting negotiations, a proposal that was not accepted by the Greek Cypriot side. The article highlights that Holguin seems to avoid taking risks and "getting dirty" with potential failure, as her goals may not allow her to engage in difficult negotiations. Her recent publication of an article, critical of the Cypriot presidency of the Council of the EU, raises questions about her true intentions.