The President of the Republic issued a sharp response to the personal envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General, María Ángela Olguín, following her remarks that the two sides are still far apart.
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Specifically, when asked to comment on Ms. Olgin’s statements that the two sides are still far from reaching an agreement—since not even a roadblock has been opened yet—the President of the Republic said that “Ms. Olgin very recently sent me a lengthy email, and of course I replied to her message with a detailed response. Beyond that—and more importantly—following the National Council meeting, I have recently written to the UN Secretary-General, setting forth very specific ideas following the discussion we had in New York—ideas concerning the methodology, the substance, and confidence-building measures, so that the entire process can move forward.
And I hope that in the meeting I will have with the Turkish Cypriot leader this coming week, there will be progress in that direction. It would be ideal, and a positive development, if Ms. Olgin had also been present at the many meetings I’ve had with the Turkish Cypriot leader, so that she could form her own understanding of all the issues discussed.”
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When asked what Ms. Olgin’s message contained, the President of the Republic said, “Some ideas, including those that have already been made public. But if you want me to speak specifically about the roadblock—because it’s important to open a roadblock— Ms. Olgin was present at the public dinner with the UN Secretary-General when the UN Secretary-General made a very specific proposal, which he characterized as a reasonable compromise. Ms. Olgin knows very well who immediately said yes, who immediately said no, and with whom she had a rather heated discussion regarding his response.”
