Nicosia:The upcoming November visit to Cyprus by the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguín, is anticipated to advance initiatives promoted by the bicommunal Technical Committees, according to Greek Cypriot Co-Chair of the Technical Committee on the Environment, Michalis Loizides.
According to Cyprus News Agency, members of the Technical Committees have already been informed about Holguín's intention to meet with them during her visit, which will also include a trilateral meeting with the President of the Republic and the Turkish Cypriot leader. However, the date for the meeting with the committees has not yet been set.
Preparations by the Environment Committee are reportedly in full swing ahead of Holguín's visit, with plans to present progress on various initiatives discussed during their previous meeting in July. Loizides noted that the United Nations has positively responded to the work of the Technical Committees, indicating a belief that their activities are effectively bringing the two communities closer together at the civil society level.
The Environment Technical Committee is currently working on approximately 20 initiatives. These include enhancing communication with civil society in both communities, coordinating efforts to address air and microplastic pollution, and developing measures to manage diseases affecting plants and animals. Loizides described the agenda as 'very positive' and highlighted the establishment and testing of cooperation mechanisms and communication channels, which are aiding in advancing initiatives and scientific cooperation to tackle emerging challenges.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite multiple rounds of UN-led peace talks, no resolution has been achieved due to Turkish intransigence. The latest negotiations, held in July 2017 in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ended without conclusion. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres plans to convene another meeting in a broader format, with the consensus of both sides and the guarantor powers, although no timeline has been set. Holguín is tasked with engaging the parties in this effort, with Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto serving as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus.