‘UN remains committed’ to searching for a Cyprus solution

A senior UN official held talks with President Nicos Anastasiades in Nicosia on Tuesday, telling reporters that the world body remains committed to supporting efforts for a Cyprus settlement.

For his part, Anastasiades reiterated his proposal for ‘bold’ confidence building measures that could help restart the talks.

Miroslav Jenca, UN assistant secretary-general for Europe, central Asia and Americas at the UN department of political affairs, is due to meet Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar later on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Jenca said that he and Anastasiades had had “a very frank, a very open and constructive discussion”.

And he added: “I would also like to stress that the UN remains committed in continuing its support to the sides in the search of a solution of the Cyprus issue.

“I would also like to reiterate the words of the secretary-general, that it is very important to create a conducive environment to seek, to find a settlement and avoid any unilateral steps that might hamper those efforts.”

In a written statement after the meeting, government spokesman Marios Pelekanos spoke of a “constructive and productive discussion”, during which the president has reiterated the readiness of the Greek Cypriot side to continue efforts with an aim of resuming the Cyprus peace process for a Cyprus settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation in line with UN parameters and UN Security Council resolutions.

“The president also reiterated his proposal for the adoption of bold confidence building measures that will contribute to the aim of restarting the negotiating process while at the same time bringing mutual benefits to the two communities,” the spokesman said.

Also extensively discussed at the meeting was the pending issue for the appointment of a UN envoy who would contribute to the creation of a positive climate and lead to a new round of talks within a specific time schedule, he added.

Such an appointment would also create the preconditions for the ending of any illegal actions both in the sea and territory of the Republic of Cyprus, and especially the fenced city of Varosha, Pelekanos concluded.

The position of UN special envoy on the Cyprus problem has been vacant since the departure of Jane Holl Lute last year.