Statements by the President of the Republic on the Cyprus problem

“The Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) can assist us in our efforts to resume the talks and we are here to work together to achieve this particular goal”, said today the President of the Republic, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, while welcoming the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) by the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

In his statements to journalists, upon his arrival to an event organised by the “Cyprus Army Officers Association” in Κornos, and when asked about the renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate by the UN Security Council, the President of the Republic said: “I welcome the decision of the UN Security Council, the unanimous decision of the UN Security Council.

I would like to point out in particular the reference to the form of the settlement of the Cyprus problem; it reaffirms all the relevant resolutions in relation to the form of the solution to the Cyprus problem.

I would like to point out the reference to the issue of the fenced-off area of Varosha and the request for the withdrawal of all actions outside the framework of the relevant resolutions, as well as the clear reference to the actions of the Turkish occupying forces in Pyla.

I believe that the resolution has been adopted at a very important juncture.

Today I had the opportunity to meet with the UNSG’s Personal Envoy. We had a very constructive discussion. I believe that she can indeed assist in our efforts to resume the talks and we are here to work together to achieve this particular goal.”

Asked to comment on the statements made by Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Ersin Tatar, after his meeting with the UNSG’s Personal Envoy, who referred, inter alia, to sovereign equality and equal international status, the President of the Republic said: “The best answer to what Mr Tatar mentioned is the UN resolution. The international community itself responds to what Mr Tatar mentions.

I will not engage in a blame game or accusations etc., nor will I engage in communication management of the Cyprus problem.

I mentioned earlier that we welcome the resolution, we welcome the appointment of the Personal Envoy. I really think that she can help us. We know what we want, we know how to achieve it, that was all we discussed today, and we are working with one and only goal in mind: to end the occupation and reunite our country”.

(MS/NG)

 

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