President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades has pointed out that the Turkish positions for a solution to the Cyprus problem outside the parameters of the United Nations should cause concern.
Speaking to journalists on his arrival on Monday in New York for the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly, President Anastasiades said he has reiterated to heads of state and government, as well as to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, that the Greek Cypriot side is ready to negotiate in the framework set out by the UN chief, taking into consideration all the parameters and issues Guterres himself pointed out as the most substantive for a solution to the Cyprus problem.
These, he said, were the termination of the treaties of guarantee and any rights of intervention, and a timeframe for the withdrawal of any occupation or other Turkish troops.
Commenting on statements by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and the recent remarks by Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, President Anastasiades said that he could only express the Greek Cypriot side’s positions and determination to strive for a solution, in the context of the UN, and the EU principles and values.
Regarding statements by Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias on the necessity to maintain the document put forward by Guterres in July, President Anastasiades said that document had not been thoroughly discussed because of the tension due to Turkish positions on the guarantees and intervention rights.
Asked what the options would be if the UN Secretary General reached the conclusion that there were no preconditions in place to resume negotiations, President Anastasiades said he did not believe Guterres would reach such a decision.
President Anastasiades also referred to the various meetings he would be having in New York with heads of state and government, and other officials, as well as the Jewish Lobby and overseas Hellenism.
Asked about the meetings, President Anastasiades said the main aim was to discuss developments in the Cyprus problem, reiterate the Greek Cypriot’s determination for a solution, and point out the necessity for everyone to exert influence on Turkey.
The President wrapped up his first day in New York with a dinner hosted in his honour by the Cypriot community there. Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides also attended the dinner.
On Tuesday, President Anastasiades will attend the opening session of the UN General Assembly. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will open the session and US President Donald Trump will deliver a speech. President Anastasiades will also attend the official lunch hosted by Guterres in honour of the heads of delegations participating in the UN General Assembly.
President Anastasiades’ agenda includes meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jungnauth, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, and British Prime Minister Theresa May.
The Cypriot President will also attend separate receptions hosted by President of the European Council Donald Tusk and US President Donald Trump.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The latest round of UN-peace talks commenced at the Swiss resort of Crans Montana on June 28, but in the early hours of July 7 it was announced that the Conference on Cyprus ended without an agreement. Talks held under the auspices of the UN aim at reunifying Cyprus under a federal roof.