Nicosia: Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos expressed the Greek Cypriot side's alignment with the UN Secretary General's approach to the Cyprus issue, emphasizing the desire for a broader conference to occur promptly. He reiterated the significant role of Ankara in achieving a positive outcome and highlighted the upcoming discussions on EU-Turkey relations during the visit of EU Special Representative for the Cyprus problem, Raffaele Fitto.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kombos underscored the importance of a conference, which the UN Secretary General announced, after receiving positive responses from all involved parties, including Turkey. He noted that the Greek Cypriot side is fully synchronized with the UNSG's pace, emphasizing the focus on substantive negotiations.
Kombos discussed Confidence Building Measures and expressed disappointment over the lack of new crossing points' announcements, despite the Greek Cypriot side's constructive stance on proposals from the UN Secretary-General. The Foreign Minister emphasized Nicosia's strategy of engaging the UN and the European Union more actively in the negotiation process.
Kombos highlighted the potential leverage of EU-Turkey relations in negotiations, aiming to stimulate Turkey's interest in resolving the Cyprus problem. He stressed the Greek Cypriot side's readiness for a conference under Guterres' term, recognizing the Secretary General's commitment to the issue.
The Foreign Minister emphasized the UN's methodology in preparing for the conference, aiming for substantial results. He addressed statements from Turkey and the occupied territories, reaffirming alignment with the UN's stated framework and goals.
Kombos acknowledged Turkey's enhanced regional role and reiterated Cyprus' efforts to emphasize its regional significance. He stressed the Greek Cypriot side's commitment to negotiating within the UN Security Council framework, seeking a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.
Antonio Guterres' recent visit to Cyprus, his first and the first by a UNSG in 16 years, marked a significant step. He announced a new 5+1 meeting on the Cyprus problem, emphasizing preparations in confidence building and methodology, while considering past convergences.
Cyprus remains divided since 1974, with Turkish troops occupying 37% of its territory. Despite numerous UN-led peace efforts, negotiations have repeatedly faltered due to Turkish intransigence, with the last attempt in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ending without resolution.