UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative Diagne: A solution to the Cyprus issue is possible
The head of the UN mission in Cyprus noted Russia's role in resolving the conflict.
December 19, 2025, 6:53 AM
By Alexander KUDELYA
In September, 2025, Khassim Diagne was appointed Special Representative of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Head of the UN Mission in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Previously, the experienced diplomat with intenational background from Senegal served in Mali and several other African countries. Arriving to the island in October, Diagne was one of the first to visit the Russian diplomatic mission. This week, the new head of UNFICYP met again with Russian Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus Dr. Murat Ziazikov to compare notes on the year’s outcomes. Mr. Diagne also kindly answered questions from “Komsomolskaya Pravda” about the prospects for a Cyprus settlement and the role of the UN and Russia in this process.
“I'm an optimist: a solution to the Cyprus issue is possible”.
– You have only been here for a short time, but you have already accomplished a lot. What are your first impressions of Cyprus and your new posting?
– I arrived here two months ago, appointed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and approved by the Security Council. My first impressions are very positive. This is a protracted conflict that has been ongoing since 1964 and remains unresolved since 1974. But I sense a new momentum gathering in Cyprus.
A few days ago, a historic meeting took place between the leaders of the island’s two communities, mediated by the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, María Angela Holguín. The result was signing a joint declaration containing extremely positive elements. Clearly, we are only halfway through a long journey, but the political process that has been launched is making an extremely positive impression.
I'm responsible for the peacekeeping mission, but these two aspects are interconnected. We must walk this path together. Positive political developments can influence the peacekeeping mission, and positive developments in the peacekeeping mission can support the political process. In any case, the UN is fully committed to its mission of assisting both sides in achieving a lasting peaceful settlement of the situation in Cyprus.
– How do you assess the current situation in the Cyprus file? Is there any real progress?
– There are two important points. The first element is so-called confidence-building measures. There are quite a few of them, and they were proposed by the UN Secretary-General, for example, the opening of new crossing points, demining, and the creation of a youth committee. All of this is extremely important, but it is far from the only aspect of the negotiation process. Clearly, there are several broader and more complex issues. In the long term, it will be necessary to resolve, for example, the issue of political equality for both sides, which was included in the declaration.
We need to proceed gradually, step by step. Confidence-building measures are essential for the two communities, the two peoples, and their leaders at all levels to engage in dialogue with each other and attempt to advance their respective agendas. So that more complex issues that require time can then be put on the table. I believe that Ms. Holguín did an excellent job of including both the issue of political equality and confidence-building measures in the joint declaration.
Following the meeting, I can note that both sides are committed to a settlement, willing to talk and seek opportunities to move forward on the core issues.
– Do you personally believe that the parties will be able to find solutions in the near future?
– I think so. With a certain amount of political will, as well as the support of the international community, the UN, and all partners involved in this issue, I believe it is possible. I am an optimist by nature. I am confident that there is every opportunity to move forward, because people on both sides want it and feel the need to achieve progress on the Cyprus issue.
– For 80 years, the UN has remained the only international organization capable of maintaining peace and stability. In your opinion, what is Russia's role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council in the Cyprus settlement?
– We welcome the role of the Russian Federation as a UN member and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, a founding member. Russia has been very supportive. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Head of the Russian diplomatic mission in Cyprus Dr. Murat Ziazikov and his entire team, for being always on our side, supporting UN Security Council resolutions and the peacekeeping mission here, thereby recognizing UN’s fundamental role in resolving the Cyprus issue and believing in multilateralism.
Unfortunately, in the modern world, there are certain problems with understanding the UN’s role in maintaining international ties and resolving disputes. In this regard, Russia fully fulfills its role as a UN member, remaining committed to the organization's principles. In any case, I feel its full engagement in the Cyprus issue. This is our second meeting with the Russian Ambassador, and I always depart being very satisfied with our conversations, because I see a strong desire to accompany and support us in our shared efforts to find a solution.
– There are also Russian peacekeepers in your mission. Are you satisfied with their service?
– Yes, they are Russian military and police officers, posted to UNFICYP by their leadership. They are excellent people and officers, who were flawlessly selected for our peacekeeping mission. They serve with excellence. They are true professionals who carry out responsible work and are truly at their positions. I commend their efforts and call on Russia to continue sending military and police personnel to us to find this solution and ensure stability, especially in the buffer zone.
https://www.kp.ru/daily/27758.5/5187163/