Source: CNA
British High Commissioner to Cyprus Irfan Siddiq was summoned on Tuesday to the Foreign Ministry for a demarche, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), in response to a question about the interview of Siddiq in the newspaper Kathimerini last Sunday.
"At a critical juncture, when the attention of the international community is focused on the mission of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, we expect the United Kingdom, a guarantor power, member of the Security Council and author of the resolutions on Cyprus, to help create a climate that will facilitate the resumption of the negotiation process," the Spokesman said.
He added that the resumption of the talks and reaching a mutually acceptable solution within the framework of the United Nations is in the interest not only of Cyprus but also of peace and security in the wider East Mediterranean region.
"In light of developments in our region, where crises and tensions remind us that there are no 'frozen conflicts', we expect that the UK, with its influence and special interest in regional developments, can send important messages to the Turkish side on the need to demonstrate a more constructive attitude towards the resumption of talks and refrain from new provocations and violations that hurt efforts to find the required common ground for a solution," the Spokesperson added.
In an interview on Sunday with "Kathimerini" newspaper, Siddiq said that Turkish Cypriots do not want to enter a never-ending process, to continue being isolated without recognition. He said they want incentives for the resumption of talks which will make them feel safe.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar of Colombia as his personal envoy for Cyprus, to assume a Good Offices role on his behalf and search for common ground on the way forward in the Cyprus issue.
