Nicosia: Any action aimed at establishing faits accomplis in the Turkish occupied areas “constitutes an extremely negative development,” Greek diplomatic sources stressed on Sunday morning, referring to the illegal visit and statements of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the diplomatic sources emphasized that these actions are particularly concerning at a time when significant efforts are being made by the UN Secretary-General on the Cyprus issue. The resumption of informal talks and the appointment of Mara ngela Holgun Cu©llar as Personal Envoy highlight the international community’s commitment to resolving the Cyprus issue. Nevertheless, actions that attempt to solidify the status quo in the occupied areas are viewed as detrimental to these efforts.
The sources further clarified that the consistent objective remains the reunification of Cyprus within the agreed framework of the United Nations. This goal is deemed essential for the benefit of all Cypriots, as well as for maintaining international peace and security. The division of Cyprus dates back to 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has been elusive, largely 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 at the end of July, building on a similar meeting held in Geneva in March. Antonio Guterres also stated his intention to appoint a new personal envoy on Cyprus to facilitate the next steps. Both sides have agreed to move forward with several initiatives, such as the opening of crossing points, the creation of a Technical Committee on Youth, and other initiatives in the buffer zone and across the island.