President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides briefed the political leadership on Friday on the recent trilateral meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman and the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín, following a meeting of the National Council at the Presidential Palace.
Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the aim is for the next expanded conference, with the participation of the guarantor powers, to be convened as soon as possible in order to hold substantive discussions and take a decisive step toward the resumption of negotiations.
Constructive exchange of views
Letymbiotis said there was “a very constructive and substantive exchange of views” regarding both the developments of the previous day and, more importantly, the next steps toward the resumption of negotiations from the point at which they were interrupted.
Meetings with UN and EU envoys
Speaking to journalists after the afternoon session of the National Council, chaired by President Christodoulides, the Government Spokesperson said the President briefed members on the joint meeting held on Thursday with Erhürman in the presence of UN envoy Holguín, as well as on his meeting with EU Special Envoy Johannes Hahn.
He also referred to the outcome of what he described as a “very important meeting” and to the joint statement issued by the United Nations.
Reference to UN Security Council resolutions
Referring to the UN statement, Letymbiotis said it contained a “very important reference” to UN Security Council resolutions, a reference that had been absent since October 2020.
He added that all members of the National Council noted this with satisfaction, recognising the importance and value of the reference and its role in reaffirming the framework of international law.
Upcoming contacts by UN envoy
According to Letymbiotis, the President informed National Council members about the contacts Holguín is expected to have in the coming period.
He noted that Holguín is currently in Athens, where she is scheduled to meet the Greek Prime Minister and later the Greek Foreign Minister, before travelling to Ankara for talks with the Turkish Foreign Minister.
EU involvement in the process
Letymbiotis said that similar contacts have been, and will continue to be, carried out by EU Special Envoy Johannes Hahn, as part of efforts to activate and strengthen the European Union’s contribution to the UN Secretary-General’s initiative.
Goal of an expanded conference
“The goal is as soon as possible – and this is our objective – to convene the next expanded conference in the presence of the guarantor powers, in order to engage in substantive discussions and take another decisive step, the major decisive step, toward the resumption of negotiations,” Letymbiotis said.
He stressed that this would take place within the agreed framework, as defined by all relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and in accordance with the principles, values, acquis and legislation of the European Union.
Political equality and UN framework
Asked to comment on statements by Erhürman suggesting that the reference to political equality in the joint statement does not mean abandoning the position on the sovereignty of two constituent states, Letymbiotis said that the definition of political equality by the UN Security Council dates back to 1991 and is clear.
He added that progress cannot be achieved through public statements and noted that the reference to UN Security Council resolutions is viewed positively, a position also reflected by National Council members.
No selective reading of resolutions
Letymbiotis underlined that there cannot be a selective or fragmented interpretation of UN Security Council resolutions or international law.
He said the reference in the statement is neither neutral nor empty, but is grounded in the historical and political continuity of the Cyprus issue and is therefore welcomed.
International law as the path forward
The Government Spokesperson said this renewed commitment to international law is viewed as a safeguard and a compass, and as the only path toward the resumption of negotiations and the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.
He added that this correct repositioning of the Cyprus issue within the framework of international law can lead to reunification and open new prospects for the Republic of Cyprus.
European dimension of the Cyprus issue
Letymbiotis also noted the importance of the perspective highlighted by Hahn regarding the European dimension of the Cyprus issue, describing it as self-evident and central to the discussions expected to take place in the coming period.
Source: CNA