UN says special envoy appointment would pave way for Cyprus talks

The appointment of a special envoy for the Cyprus problem will pave the way for negotiations between the two sides, members of the UN Security Council said during a closed session on Tuesday.

According to the Cyprus News Agency, the proposal calling for a move on the issue was put forward by representatives of France, Switzerland, Great Britain and China.

Members of the Security Council also added that Turkey has ignored recent calls about its actions which are in stark contrast with existing UN resolutions and stressed the need for a commitment a bizonal, bicommunal federation scenario.

Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Colin Stewart briefed members of the Security Council ahead of the open session on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) on January 30.

According to foreign ministry spokesperson Demetris Demetriou, the UN Security Council is expected to extend the UNFICYP mandate for another six months, until July 31.