The visit of Maria Anchela Olgin, to the occupied territories to meet with Turkey’s so-called “ambassador” to the pseudo-state.
Michalis Paraskevas, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Law at the University of Cyprus, pointed out on the Alpha News program that this move runs counter to the spirit and provisions of the resolution.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
What Does Resolution 550 Provide For?
As he explained, Resolution 550 was adopted in 1984, just a few months after the declaration of the pseudo-state on November 15, 1983, and clearly condemns secessionist actions, reaffirming the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.
The resolution condemns actions aimed at recognizing the secessionist entity in the occupied territories, while the reference to the exchange of “ambassadors” between states and the pseudo-state is of particular significance. Mr. Paraskevas argued that actions leading to the exchange of “ambassadors” with the breakaway entity violate Resolution 550, as well as other UN resolutions.
When asked whether these provisions also apply to United Nations officials traveling to the occupied territories as part of efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, he clarified that the explicit provision concerns the exchange of ambassadors. As he noted, the so-called “Turkish embassy” in the occupied territories is not recognized by the international community as a legitimate diplomatic mission to the Republic of Cyprus. In this regard, he assessed that María Ángela Olguín’s visit to that location is reprehensible and violates Resolution 550.
“Her action is unjustifiable”
Despite the legal and political implications of the case, Mr. Paraskevas noted that this specific action should not lead to a confrontation with the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy. As he stated, according to media reports, Ms. Olgin traveled to that location to receive an important message from the Turkish side, as part of efforts to resume negotiations on the Cyprus issue.
He acknowledged that a serious effort to restart the negotiation process may be underway, emphasizing, however, that this does not justify the envoy’s action. According to Mr. Paraskevas, her status as a personal envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General requires particular sensitivity regarding issues pertaining to the status of the Republic of Cyprus and the resolutions of the.
The resumption of talks takes center stage
At the same time, the international relations expert and academic assessed that the developments of recent days demonstrate the seriousness of the ongoing effort to resume talks. As he noted, reports of a possible visit by the Turkish Foreign Minister in the coming days are yet another indication of the critical nature of this period.
Attention is now focused on the next steps and the prospects that may emerge ahead of the joint meeting between Christodoulides-Erciyurman-Olgin next Monday, with the aim of restarting negotiations to resolve the Cyprus issue.
Michalis Paraskevas emphasized that, despite the importance of efforts to resume the dialogue, the need to safeguard the legitimacy and framework established by United Nations resolutions remains crucial.
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