UN Secretary General`s spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Wednesday he would not comment on remarks made on the issue of hydrocarbons in Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone (EEEZ).
He was invited to comment on Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades` statements that the UNSG`s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide was out of line in speaking about hydrocarbons` exploration as a risk.
Dujarric noted that “Eide continues in his role, I`m not going to comment on whatever comments were made on the hydrocarbons.”
Asked if Eide is a full‑time envoy, Dujarric said: “Yeah, he is, as far as I know. If he`s not, I`ll correct… the record will be corrected, but I believe he is.”
According to the official transcript of Dujarric`s statements, he later added that Eide is on a “when actually employed” contract.
President Anastasiades has described as “unacceptable” remarks by Eide who had said that the best way to avoid “a hot incident” in relation to energy issues this summer is to resume negotiations.
The President also said he has already told Eide in person that he considers this kind of comments “unacceptable, in particular when expressed in a way which is tantamount to threats.”
In public statements Eide had talked about a “hot incident” in the Republic’s EEZ, where drilling is scheduled to start in early July. Turkey, which does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, has already sent vessels to the area.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-led talks between Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci have been underway since May 2015, aiming to reunify the island under a federal roof.