Newsroom
Antonio Guterres received sharply contrasting receptions during his visit to the occupied areas on Tuesday, where rival groups delivered very different messages on the future of Cyprus.
A group of demonstrators gathered near the so-called "presidential palace" in northern Nicosia, expressing support for Ankara's position on the Cyprus issue and rejecting renewed efforts toward a negotiated settlement. Social media footage showed protesters waving Turkish flags while displaying banners promoting a two-state solution.
Several placards carried slogans including "Two peoples, two states" and "Our only guarantee is the Turkish soldier." Others targeted the United Nations secretary-general personally, describing him with words such as "biased," "failed," "untrustworthy" and "unwelcome."
The demonstration reflected continued backing among some groups in the occupied areas for permanent partition and the continued presence of Turkish troops, positions that differ from the UN framework for resolving the Cyprus issue.
Guterres also encountered a very different response during his visit. People gathered along sections of his route carrying banners in support of peace and reunification, greeting the UN chief as his convoy passed.
One of the messages displayed read: "We are here for peace. We are ready for a settlement."
