President stresses need for conditions on the ground
President Nikos Christodoulides underlined on Tuesday morning the need for appropriate conditions on the ground, particularly regarding the buffer zone, to enable the resumption of talks on the Cyprus problem.
Speaking at the Presidential Palace during a meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the President said the situation on the ground remains a key factor in efforts to restart negotiations.
He stressed that Cyprus talks require a stable and conducive environment, adding that this issue is a priority for Nicosia and one it wishes to discuss further with the United Nations.
UN commitment to the peace process
Jean-Pierre Lacroix thanked Cyprus for its continued support of the United Nations and reiterated the UN’s commitment to assisting efforts on the Cyprus issue.
He said the UN remains focused on helping create conditions that allow Cyprus talks to resume, noting that the situation on the ground must remain as calm as possible to avoid any risks to the negotiation process.
Lacroix also conveyed the UN Secretary-General’s strong commitment to the peace process, stressing that both the Department of Peace Operations and UNFICYP remain fully engaged.
Concerns over developments on the ground
President Christodoulides also highlighted the importance of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), especially amid what he described as increased violations by the Turkish occupation forces.
He thanked the United Nations for its political engagement and support, noting that Cyprus fully backs the Secretary-General’s initiative aimed at advancing Cyprus talks and creating momentum for a return to negotiations.
“The peacekeeping force in Cyprus is very important for us, especially at a time when we see increased violations,” the President said.
Need for a favourable environment
Lacroix stressed that the UN is working to ensure that nothing undermines the delicate process leading towards renewed negotiations.
“We are working to ensure that nothing will jeopardise or undermine the important negotiation process,” he said, adding that the UN aims to help create the right conditions for the resumption of talks.
President Christodoulides responded that a favourable environment remains essential for any progress in the Cyprus talks, especially given current international developments.
High-level participation
The meeting was also attended by the UNFICYP Head and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus, Khassim Diagne.
From the Cypriot side, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Director of the President’s Press Office Viktoras Papadopoulos, Greek Cypriot Negotiator Menelaos Menelaou, and Cyprus’ Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Maria Michael, were present.
Source: CNA
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