Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has greenlighted the appointment of Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar as the new UN envoy to Cyprus, it emerged on Monday.

According to reports in the north, Tatar informed the United Nations on Sunday evening of his approval for the former foreign minister of Colombia to take on the role.

Cuellar will be tasked with investigating whether there is common ground between the two sides to enable the launch of a new negotiation process.

On Saturday, President Nikos Christodoulides said he discussed the appointment of a new envoy with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, adding that Cuellar is expected to visit the island at the start of the new year.

Cuellar served as foreign minister of Colombia between 2010 and 2018 and was also head of the Colombian mission to the UN and the ambassador of her country to Venezuela.

Cyprus’ government has previously consented to the appointment.