Nicosia: Recent statements by UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas, Miroslav Jenca, have been interpreted as further evidence of the United Nations’ dedication to facilitating a resumption of Cyprus negotiations under its framework, according to a government source.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a government source emphasized that Jenca’s comments are in full alignment with the discussions held during an informal dinner on October 15th in New York. The dinner included the UN Secretary-General, the President of Cyprus, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, focusing on convening an expanded meeting and its composition.
The source reiterated that Jenca’s statements serve as additional proof of the UN and the Secretary-General’s commitment to reviving the peace talks within the established UN framework. Jenca announced on Thursday that a new initiative by the UN Secretary-General on Cyprus is anticipated at the beginning of next year, with an expanded conference to include the
guarantor powers.
An announcement by Cyprus’ House of Representatives revealed that Jenca made these remarks during a meeting at the UN headquarters in New York. The meeting included a delegation from the Subcommittee on External Relations of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), with Cypriot MP George Loucaides in attendance.
The press release highlighted Jenca’s assurance that the UN remains committed to adhering to the resolutions on Cyprus concerning the solution’s content. He further noted the Secretary-General’s intent to meticulously prepare for the new conference on Cyprus to maximize its chances of success.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace negotiations, a resolution has not been achieved. The most recent attempt, in July 2017 at Crans-Montana in Switzerland, ended without agreement.