Government Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides has issued a written statement in which he notes that in the UN report for Cyprus, the UN Secretary General sends a message for the need to continue the efforts to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem.
‘In his good offices’ report, the UNSG, recognizing the significant progress achieved for the first time in the history of the negotiations, sends the message for the need to continue the effort to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem’, Christodoulides stresses.
He adds that the report notes all that has been achieved for the first time, such as the substantive discussion of the chapter of security and guarantees, the exchange of maps on an agreed framework, the engagement of the international financial organisations for a study of the economic aspect of a solution, as well as the substantive participation of the EU in the negotiations. Christodoulides notes that the report stresses that the principles on which the EU is founded, will be respected in the whole territory of the island.
The Spokesman says that in his report, the UNSG notes the importance of the chapter on security and guarantees and expresses his position regarding the non-viability of the Treaty of Guarantees, and the intervention rights, as well as the fact that the progress in the chapter on security and guarantees will determine the final outcome of the effort.
In addition, he notes that, as the UNSG had clarified from the beginning, he consciously does not put the blame for the final outcome on anyone, because he does not have such a competence stemming from his mandate, and because he wants, through his report, to leave the possibility of continuing the effort, open.
The Spokesman points out that perseverance, consistency and above all seriousness are needed in order to reach a solution in Cyprus and adds that this was the approach of President Anastasiades that led to the very important developments in the negotiation process and came close to finding a solution. He pledged that the government will continue to work in the same manner.
The Spokesman refers to Turkey’s unacceptable persistence for the continuation of the Treaty of Guarantees and the intervention rights, noting that it is obvious who is to blame for the outcome of the Grans Montana talks, and says that it is deplorable that some in the internal front blame the Cypriot President for the outcome, noting that this stance may be due to the presidential elections coming up next year.
United Nations Secretary General`s report on his good offices mission in Cyprus was circulated at the UN as an officialdocument (PDF).
The report is identical to an advanced copy that was handed to the permanent members of the Security Council on September 28 and which was published by Cyprus News Agency.
The report covers the period from May 15, 2015 to August 11, 2017 and it is focused on the activities carried out by his good offices mission under the leadership of Special Adviser, Espen Barth Eide, regarding the leader-led negotiations between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides.
The Republic of Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The latest round of UN-peace talks at the Swiss resort of Crans – Montana ended without an agreement. Talks held under the auspices of the UN aim at reunifying Cyprus under a federal roof.