Nicosia: United Nations Under Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, stated that she discussed an upcoming meeting regarding Cyprus with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, describing the discussions as “very productive.” The meeting, set to occur in a broader format next month, was a focal point of their conversation.
According to Cyprus News Agency, DiCarlo spoke to the press following her meeting in Turkish-occupied Nicosia, which lasted approximately one and a half hours on Monday morning. This visit marks her second trip to the island, and she expressed her pleasure at being back. DiCarlo highlighted the productive nature of her meeting with Tatar, emphasizing the range of issues they plan to address in the upcoming discussions.
In addition to her meeting with Tatar, DiCarlo mentioned her plans to meet with Greek Cypriot leader, President Nikos Christodoulides, later in the day. She also intends to engage with a group of women leaders and mediators during her visit.
The island of Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of the northern third. Despite numerous rounds of UN-led peace talks, a resolution has yet to be achieved. The most recent negotiations in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended without success.