Developments in the Cyprus issue, in the light of the forthcoming resumption of peace talks, which the UN confirmed would begin in mid-May, the new leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community, and other peacekeeping force issues, were among issues discussed during meetings Greek Cypriot negotiator, Ambassador Andreas Mavroyiannis, held on Tuesday at UN headquarters with Assistant Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet and Director of the Europe Division Elizabeth Spehar.
Procedural matters concerning the talks will be arranged during meetings to be held by the UN Secretary General`s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide next week in Nicosia.
The UN Secretariat appears optimistic after the “election” victory of Mustafa Akinci in the Turkish occupied areas, however much will depend on Turkey`s stance. Furthermore, the Greek Cypriot side is sending the message to the UN to be more careful and avoid mistakes such as Eide`s remarks during a recent visit to Cyprus.
In New York, Mavroyiannis is also holding meetings regarding the presidency of the UN General Assembly.
Furthermore, he spoke at the 9th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, where he expressed Cyprus` concern over nuclear activities taking place in a non-verifiable and transparent manner.
Mavroyiannis said “Security in the Middle East is directly linked to the security of Cyprus and, in this respect, Cyprus attaches great importance to the establishment of a Zone Free of Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Middle East”, he said.
He also welcomed “the progress achieved thus far between Iran and the E3+3 and hope that continued constructive engagement will keep the process on track and produce a definitive agreement, addressing all concerns”, noting that “such an agreement would contribute significantly to our shared objectives”.
Regarding the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, Mavroyiannis said “Cyprus considers its entry into force to be a top priority” and attaches “great importance to the commencement of negotiations on an effectively verifiable Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty”.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.