Alpha News

Question Marks Remain Over Confidence-Building Measures: What the UN is Asking of the Two Leaders

Published January 27, 2026, 19:21

Despite the election of Tufan Erhurman in the occupied territories, no significant changes have been made regarding Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) in Cyprus. The UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, stated that she is trying to push for more progress, but progress so far has been limited. A measure that could boost talks is the opening of new checkpoints, but this is hampered by the reaction of the Turkish army. Specifically, proposals for the Athienou and Kokkina crossings have been rejected due to objections from the occupation army. The Ledinis Street in old Nicosia is cited as a potential “lifeline”, having been recently visited by Ursula von der Leyen. If the two sides agree, the pedestrian crossing could open within days. Ledinis Street is expected to be at the center of discussions again, as there are no prospects for other crossings. At a previous meeting, the two sides had agreed to resolve the issue of halloumi and the construction of a pipeline to transport water from the wastewater treatment plant in Mia Milia, but no progress has been made since then. The situation remains at a standstill and the need for substantial progress in the CBMs is imperative.