Lute to return to Cyprus ahead of Berlin leaders' meeting with the UNSG

In mid-November, the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Cyprus, Jane Holl Lute will be in Cyprus to prepare for the meeting of the leaders with the SG in Berlin.

The announcement was made by President of the republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades in Limassol who told reporters that Lute will be in Cyprus on 15th November for a meeting with him the following day at 1830 local time.

“It is a preparation held in view of the meeting that will take place on the 25th November in Berlin with the UN Secretary General”, he said.

Asked if he is optimistic about the meeting him and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci will have with Antonio Guterres, the President said he hoped there will be results “if the other side possesses the same determination and political will we possess”.

The President further said that he will inform the National Council on the information we have and if necessary, public statements will be made.

A meeting of the National Council is scheduled to take place ahead of the UN envoy’s arrival.

A Presidency statement said the relevant invitations have already been sent to the council members.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Turkey has ignored numerous UN resolutions calling for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops and respect of the integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.

Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The last round of negotiations, in the summer of 2017, at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.