Nicosia: European Union Envoy on Cyprus Johannes Hahn expressed his commitment to facilitating a lasting solution to the Cyprus issue, emphasizing his mandate from the European Union and the European Commission to support the UN-led process. He also indicated his intention to engage with Turkey to explore common ground for a potential resolution.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Hahn made these remarks during a meeting with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, at the Presidential Palace, marking his first visit in this capacity to the island. President Christodoulides stressed the importance of Hahn’s and the EU’s support in resuming negotiations to address the longstanding Cyprus problem.
President Christodoulides welcomed Hahn by stating, “we are very glad to have you here, we count on your support and the support of the European Union in order to resume negotiations that will lead us to the solution of the Cyprus problem.” He emphasized that the EU’s role is to complement the UN’s efforts, not replace them, and highlighted the EU’s potential to create a win-win situation for all parties involved.
The President expressed gratitude for the European Commission’s decision, viewing it as a clear indication of the EU’s interest in resolving the Cyprus issue. He reiterated Cyprus’s commitment to working with Hahn and supporting his mission, especially considering regional developments that necessitate positive outcomes benefiting Cyprus, the EU, Turkey, and the international community.
Hahn affirmed his mandate from the EU, stating his role as a facilitator in the UN-led process and emphasizing the importance of trust-building through engagement with different stakeholders. He noted the geopolitical situation’s significant impact on the Mediterranean and stressed the EU’s interest in promoting stability in the region.
Hahn expressed his desire to engage with Turkish neighbors to find common ground for a Cyprus solution, suggesting it could serve as a model for resolving global issues. He underscored the shared interest in settling the Cyprus issue, benefiting Cypriots, Europeans, and neighboring regions, and committed to working towards a lasting solution.
The division of Cyprus dates back to 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third, and multiple rounds of UN-led peace talks have yet to yield results. The most recent negotiations in July 2017 at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ended without a resolution. The UN Secretary General has announced an informal Cyprus meeting in July, following a similar one in Geneva in March.