UN Secretary-General Adviser on the Cyprus problem, Alexander Downer said Wednesday that Ban Ki-moon`s remarks for a joint declaration for the resumption of the UN-lead talks for a solution to the Cyprus problem , were not an ultimatum.
Downer met with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades in the aftermath of a statement by Ban Ki-moon`s spokesman issued following a meeting with Downer last Friday, stating that “the UN chief expressed the hope that the two leaders would overcome this deadlock during the upcoming visit of his Special Adviser, from 4 to 8 November, and resolve any other outstanding issues so that the date for the first leaders` meeting can be set and full-fledged negotiations can resume without further delay”.
“No, the SG didn’t say that, I appreciate that has been interpreted that way, but the SG was simply eluding to the fact that I was coming back here this week, and he really wanted to see the joint declaration. But it doesn’t mean that when the end of this week arrives, that the joint declaration if it hasn’t been agreed, will lead to some other consequence,” Downer said replying to question whether Ban has set a deadline for the agreement on a joint declaration.
“The SG’s position is that he is in favor of this joint declaration. I think it is important to understand that and not to say as some headlines in the media that this is an ultimatum. This is not an ultimatum,” he went on to say.
Noting that the process on the joint declaration between the two sides “it’s inching ahead, it’s not leaping ahead,” the UN envoy expressed hope that agreement can be reached as soon as possible.
Replying to another question whether he believes he has the confidence of President Anastasiades, the Australian Diplomat said the UN will do all it can consistent with the UNSC resolutions and to contribute towards achieving a solution to the Cyprus problem.
“And I spent quite a few years on this myself and at this stage the challenge is to get this joint declaration concluded. Once a joint declaration can be concluded and I am optimistic that this can be done, I am not a pessimist about it, I think the two leaders will get into the negotiating process, the SG accepts the strong determination of President Anastasiades to achieve a solution here and I know he is working very hard at it. But you know it’s not about me,” he added.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. A new round of UN-led talks is expected to begin in the upcoming months with the aim to reunite the island under a federal roof.
