In a difficult and complex juncture for the international community – and especially for the Middle East, where global peace is being severely tested – the UN Secretary-General António Guterres will meet today in Brussels with President Nikos Christodoulides. It is worth recalling that around five weeks ago Guterres held a similar meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, during which they sought ways to preserve the prospect of restarting the process on the Cyprus problem.
During his meeting with Mr Erhürman on 11 February, the Secretary-General stressed that neither side should waste any more time and that they must work to create the right climate for the revival of dialogue.
Today’s meeting between Christodoulides and Guterres comes only a few days after the Secretary-General’s contact with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during a visit to Ankara. It also follows last month’s meeting between the Turkish President and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Speaking in Turkey to broadcaster NTV, António Guterres said he would do everything within his power to achieve a settlement of the Cyprus issue “until the last day” of his term. “We are working very intensively for the resolution of the Cyprus problem,” he said. “I wouldn’t say we are very close, but we have made positive progress. We have restarted contacts.” He added: “I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic, but I am determined.”
These remarks, made only a few days ago, clearly outline the tone and intentions of the UN, as well as the context of today’s meeting with the President.
“Confirmation of political will”
According to Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, President Christodoulides is expected during his meeting with the Secretary-General to “confirm his political will for the immediate resumption of talks”. The spokesman noted that the meeting “takes place at a critical moment and constitutes tangible proof of the Secretary-General’s steadfast personal commitment to efforts for restarting negotiations. The continuation of the current deadlock cannot be an option, and the passage of time makes the need for substantive progress even more imperative.”
At the same time, “President Christodoulides will demonstrate our readiness to contribute actively to the efforts of the Secretary-General and the United Nations to create the necessary conditions for launching a substantive, credible and results-oriented process,” the spokesman added. He stressed that convening an expanded conference with the guarantor powers under the UNSG’s auspices, “could play a catalytic role in overcoming the impasse.”
Asked whether the President’s five-point proposal is still on the table and whether it will be analysed and explained to Guterres, the spokesman replied that “of course the President’s proposal will be presented in full to the UN Secretary-General.” He added that this proposal was also included in the letter sent by the President of the Republic to Guterres, as a framework that could lead to the resumption of negotiations.
According to the Government Spokesman’s assessment, “today’s meeting between the President and the Secretary-General is expected to determine the next steps in the effort to restart negotiations.”