Pakistan breaks silence on resolution
President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday that Pakistan submitted comments “not positive for our side” at the UN Security Council, breaking the silent procedure on the draft resolution to renew the UNFICYP mandate.
Speaking after the European Chambers of Commerce presidential meeting at CCCI, Christodoulides confirmed reports that the Security Council postponed the vote from Thursday to Friday due to a lack of consensus.
“I was informed this morning that Pakistan broke the silent procedure under which the resolution was submitted and put forward certain comments. This has happened in the past, and consultations will continue,” he said.
Asked about the content of the comments, the President added: “From the country I mentioned, the comments are not positive for us.” Pakistan currently serves as one of the ten non-permanent members of the Security Council.
Cyprus ready for renewed talks
Commenting on remarks by the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín, who said a broader Cyprus conference will not take place soon, Christodoulides stressed that the Greek Cypriot side remains prepared.
“We are ready for a new trilateral meeting and for a broader conference during our EU Council Presidency. The resumption of talks remains my top priority, and the EU Presidency does not affect my will or my schedule,” he said.
He added that he is reviewing his agenda and will propose dates to Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman for a direct meeting.
“My goal is clear. I know exactly what my priority is – the resumption of negotiations,” he stated.
Contact with Greek foreign minister
Asked about communication with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis after he met with the UN Secretary-General in New York, Christodoulides said Gerapetritis spoke twice with Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos ahead of that meeting. The two will speak again later today to review the discussion outcomes.
Also read: UNFICYP mandate vote postponed to January 30
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