The President of the Republic, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, received today, at the Presidential Palace, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Cyprus issue, Ms María Ángela Holguín, with whom he held a private meeting.
Following the meeting, Government Spokesman Mr Konstantinos Letymbiotis told reporters:
“The meeting between the President of the Republic and the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General has concluded – this was the second meeting during Ms Holguín’s current visit.
It was certainly a very constructive discussion, an exchange of views in light of the multilateral conference to be held in July. We welcome and consider very positive Ms Holguín’s emphasis and dedication to achieving further progress as we move into this crucial period ahead of the July conference. As she herself announced, she will travel to Ankara for a meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister, and subsequently to Athens to continue her contacts with the Greek Foreign Minister.
Her itinerary also includes visits to London and Brussels, and she is expected to return to Cyprus to continue her engagements.”
When asked about Ms Holguín’s statement that “the commitment lies with the leaders,” thereby appearing once again to equate the Turkish Cypriot leader with the President of the Republic, the Spokesman said:
“Our commitment – not only through the President’s public statements but also through the concrete initiatives we have undertaken and the constructive stance we have consistently maintained – is recognised by the international community.
We will continue to contribute positively and constructively in every possible way to the important work and efforts of Ms Holguín and the UN Secretary-General.”
When asked whether Ms Holguín’s visit to Cyprus had a positive outcome, considering that certain objectives, such as the goal of a joint meeting in her presence, were not achieved, the Spokesman replied:
“Every meeting and visit, even the very appointment of a personal envoy by the UN Secretary-General, sends a clear message that the Secretary-General remains committed to efforts for the resumption of negotiations and, ultimately, a solution to the Cyprus problem within the framework defined by the Security Council resolutions.
At the same time, it is very important that Ms Holguín’s contacts are taking place. We had the opportunity for two meetings – even if held separately. We continue to stress and underline that a joint meeting would have been very beneficial and useful. We seek dialogue. We want dialogue. Ms Holguín has very important and substantive meetings ahead. We will remain in continuous contact with her, and we expect that in her next round of meetings in Cyprus, further progress will be discussed.”
Asked whether the issue of property usurpers was raised during the meeting, the Spokesman replied in the negative, adding:
“We will repeat, once again, as the President himself has said: in every law-abiding state and in every democracy, the executive branch cannot interfere with the judiciary.”
When asked why Ms Holguín expressed optimism and whether, in light of Mr Tatar’s stance and recent statements, there is cause for optimism, the Spokesman said:
“I cannot speak on Ms Holguín’s behalf, but from what I have heard of her statements, yes, she expresses optimism about the possibility of achieving progress – and that is something we take note of.
We welcome the fact that she remains committed to achieving that progress. As for Mr Tatar’s statements yesterday, we will continue to act responsibly and contribute positively, just as we have done until now. That is why, over the past two years, despite public statements and the stance of the other side, progress has been made. We have moved forward, even if we are not yet where we would like to be, and we will continue working in that direction. The multilateral conference this July presents another opportunity to move closer to resuming negotiations.
The President of the Republic has submitted a series of proposals and has clearly demonstrated our willingness and commitment to engage in dialogue with sincere political will – something that is recognised by the international community.
Furthermore, it is significant that the European Union is also actively involved in these efforts through the appointment of its own envoy for the Cyprus issue, Mr Hahn. Within this framework, we will continue to use every available tool to support the ongoing efforts.”
Asked whether there was any progress this week regarding Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), the Spokesman replied:
“This week, as you understand, the focus was more on Ms Holguín’s contacts. A joint meeting between the two negotiators and Ms Holguín is scheduled for today at the Ledra Palace.
The negotiators’ meetings will certainly continue.
We believe that progress can be made on the six thematic areas agreed upon by all parties involved in the multilateral conference before the Secretary-General’s official announcement. We have submitted very specific proposals – provided that there is also sincere political will from the other side.”
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