Nicosia: European Commission Special Envoy for Cyprus Johannes Hahn has announced his initiative to engage with all possible stakeholders in a bid to build confidence and trust, serving as a facilitator towards finding a solution to the Cyprus issue. Speaking to the press after a private meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia, Hahn emphasized that this visit marks his first to the island, and it won’t be the last, as his mandate supports the UN-led process.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Hahn expressed his commitment to work as a facilitator to enable a lasting solution to the Cyprus conflict. “This is my understanding. This is my commitment. I hope at the end of the day I will be supportive and successful,” he stated. During his visit, Hahn also met with the Greek Cypriot negotiator, ambassadors of EU member states, and the UN Special Representative Colin Stewart.
In response to questions on how the EU could assist the two sides in reconciling their differences to resume negotiations, Hahn highlighted the particular interests each party has concerning the European Union. He noted that understanding these interests is crucial for progressing to the next step in the negotiation process.
Hahn mentioned that he aims to build trust and confidence among all relevant players and is open to visiting Ankara or communicating with Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan as part of this effort. Moreover, sources indicate that Hahn will meet with UN personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin in Brussels at the beginning of July.
Hahn’s role, as announced last May, involves reporting to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and contributing to the settlement process within the United Nations Framework. This is to be done in close cooperation with the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Mara ngela Holgun.
Cyprus remains divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous rounds of UN-led peace talks, a resolution has been elusive due to Turkish intransigence. The most recent negotiations, held in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, ended without agreement.
The UN Secretary-General has announced plans for an informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format at the end of July, following a similar meeting in Geneva from March 17-18.