Cyprus Negotiator Andreas Mavroyiannis assured overseas Cypriots that nothing is being done in talks for a solution to the Cyprus problem that will jeopardize the Republic of Cyprus and Cypriot Hellenism.
He was speaking during a gathering in New York to honour outgoing Permanent Representative at the UN, Ambassador Nicos Emiliou.
Noting that there are various alarming messages, Mavroyiannis urged overseas Cypriots not to worry. “What is happening is nothing that would endanger Cypriot Hellenism and the Republic of Cyprus”, he said.
Mavroyiannis assured that “we are trying to look at every possibility but at the same time we are aware of the limits”.
Rest assured, he said, that we would never do anything that would jeopardize Cypriot Hellenism. We are here to serve Cypriot Hellenism and Hellenism, he added.
The Greek Cypriot negotiator told the gathering to continue supporting Cyprus and Greece through this difficult time. “Things are not easy but we must find ways to improve the situation for Cyprus and create conditions, which will secure the future of our people and future generations”. Nothing is certain, he said, adding “a great effort is underway.”
He pointed out that if the effort is successful this will depend on various factors and not only us.
Mavroyiannis said the meetings in Switzerland on security and guarantees did not produce specific results, however, he said, the effort continues.
He also said it is the first time that Turkish Cypriots submitted a map. We have reached a point that we must face the Cyprus problem as an issue of invasion and occupation, said Mavroyiannis and that we are discussing with Turkey issues that concern the future of Cyprus.
Outgoing Ambassador Nicos Emiliou, speaking at the gathering organised by the Federation of Cyprus – American organisations in association with PSEKA, the Cyprus – American chamber of Commerce and the Greek-American council, said the Greek and Cypriot community of the US is at the forefront of Hellenism. “Therefore your contacts and your efforts with American politicians are very useful and have a special significance and urged them to continue”, he said.
Emiliou will head the Cyprus Permanent Delegation at the EU in Brussels, replacing Ambassador Kornilios Korniliou who will undertake duty in New York from 13th February.
Greece`s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ekaterini Boura and other diplomats praised Emiliou`s service and high professional standards as as well the excellent cooperation they had with him.
Emiliou thanked the overseas Cypriots for their support and excellent cooperation, noting that during his career, he believes overseas Cypriots can be the most effective means of intervention to the US administration in supporting the rights of Cypriot and Greeks.
Referring to the new president of the US and the changes taking place in America, he said these will affect the whole world.
“Your role continues to be now more than ever significant”, Emiliou said, and urged overseas Cypriots to continue helping until there is justice in Cyprus.
The gathering was also addressed by PSEKA President Philip Christopher, chairman of the Federation of Cyprus – America organisations Kyriakos Papastylianou, the founder of the Greek-American Council Nicos Mouyiaris and the founder of the Cyprus – American Chamber of Commerce Andreas Komodromou.
The UN hosted a conference on Cyprus earlier this month week, as part of continuing efforts to solve the Cyprus problem and reunite the country, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.
Mavroyiannis partcipated in the Working Group of deputies established during the Geneva Conference on Cyprus. The Group identified and discussed questions regarding the issue of security in a reunited Cyprus.
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci will hold a meeting on January 26, in the framework of their UN-led negotiations on the Cyprus problem.