UN envoy warns of 'huge damage' if peace talks fail
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Maria Angela Holguin, the UN envoy, has suggested both sides begin negotiations without preconditions, warning that the cost of failure this time would be immense. For those monitoring progress in inches, she pointed to four new checkpoints that are nearly ready to open. Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides has turned his attention to the colonial legacy of British bases on the island; London is reportedly open to the discussion.
The 2028 presidential election cycle has begun four years early as the AKEL party formally enters the campaign trail. On the diplomatic front, officials are lobbying to block Turkish candidate Feridun Sinirlioğlu from becoming UN Secretary-General. During questioning on international law, Mr Sinirlioğlu reportedly avoided most direct answers, which has not eased local doubts about his suitability.
A recent credit rating upgrade to A by Fitch has been welcomed by the government, though it remains to be seen if the news will reach households currently struggling with the cost of living. In Nicosia, two serious collisions involving drunk drivers resulted in a hit-and-run and four injuries, while the Speaker of the Egyptian Parliament arrived for an official visit.