"As we speak, there are many contacts taking place—I repeat, contacts that are not being publicized, and this is an indication of the Secretary-General’s personal interest; it is something we welcome, and it is something we support.” Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic
The President reveals intense behind-the-scenes activity regarding the Cyprus issue in the corridors of the United Nations, ahead of his crucial meeting tomorrow with António Guterres.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Based on Christodoulides’ statements, the UN Secretary-General appears to be making a last-ditch effort to achieve progress before leaving office, with the spearhead of that effort being his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
“I truly believe— I’ve said it, and I’ve conveyed it in discussions I’ve had here, that if there is political will, we can achieve this goal, and I’m pleased because it’s also something the Secretary-General himself desires. We see him pursuing it through concrete actions. We are here to support his efforts, and let’s hope that we will achieve a positive outcome.” Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic
The meeting between Erdogan and Guterres will take place before the one between the President of the Republic and the UN Secretary-General, and is therefore expected to serve as a guide for the direction things are heading.
At 1 a.m., Nikos Christodoulides will meet with the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Maria Olgin, who will also meet with Tufan Erhurman on Thursday.
The Turkish Cypriot leader sent his own messages shortly before boarding the plane and departing for New York.
“As we have repeatedly stated, after so many fruitless experiences, we do not consider it appropriate to hold a 5+1 meeting simply for the sake of the process, nor to begin negotiations simply for the sake of negotiating. What we are seeking is a 5+1 meeting for which the prospect of achieving results will be ensured in advance through meetings in Nicosia.” Tufan Erhürman, Turkish Cypriot leader
He reiterated that he fully agrees with Guterres’s approach.
Erhürman also met with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz during his recent illegal visit, in a meeting that took place away from the spotlight, and certainly did not receive the same media attention as the announcements regarding Turkish projects in the occupied territories.
Prior to the meeting with Olgin, Nikos Christodoulides will, as part of his contacts regarding the Cyprus issue, hold talks with the new British Prime Minister, Anty Bernham.
Energy is also on the agenda
Regional developments were the focus of the President’s meeting last night with King Abdullah of Jordan.
Nikos Christodoulides also attended a high-level summit convened by the European Union with Canada.
Tonight, shortly after 11 p.m., the energy issue will be on the agenda during a meeting between the Cypriot delegation and Chevron President Javier La Rosa.
Watch the report by Giorgos Georgiadis
