It is a fact that Ms. Olgin’s visit to the Turkish embassy in the occupied territories is an unfortunate development and cannot be downplayed. She is the first United Nations official to take such an action, which is in direct conflict with United Nations Resolution 550.
However, as much as this may set a bad precedent—giving the impression that the United Nations is violating resolutions that are important to us— the worst thing we could do is to begin undermining the United Nations or to accuse it—as has been done with other envoys in the past—of serving the Turkish narrative. That would be the easiest solution if our goal is to maintain the status quo or to bring about yet another failure.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
READ ALSO: Olgin Violated Resolution 550: How the Meeting with the Turkish “Ambassador” in the Occupied Territories Contradicts the Spirit and Provisions of the Resolution | AlphaNews
The United Nations is making what may be its last serious effort to achieve progress on the Cyprus issue. Ms. Olgin is already working toward this goal to determine whether there is room for the two sides to meet. And although there are differing interpretations—on the one hand, an effort is being made to reach an agreement regarding the opening of crossing points, the President speaks of an important message from Ankara, while at the same time we see the Turkish Cypriot leader accusing the President of the Republic of trying to sideline Guterres’ proposals. There may be significant developments linked to the visit of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan as well.
READ ALSO: I Met with the Turkish “Ambassador” Because He Had a Message for Me from Ankara: Olgin’s Explanation After the Uproar | AlphaNews
If our goal is to reach a solution, we must be well prepared and take into account that the United Nations is attempting to mediate in order to resolve a very complex problem such as thethat has been ongoing for so long. If, on the other hand, expectations are raised once again only to fall short, if a false sense of momentum is cultivated, then the situation is certainly very serious given the facts on the ground that are being created. And these consequences are not limited to Ms. Olgin’s visit, which runs counter to Resolution 550, but extend to how the Cyprus issue will change course.
