Press Releases

During yesterday’s briefing of the UN international media by the Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Stéphane Dujarric, the correspondent of CNA asked the following questions regarding the picnic of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, the day before yesterday, to the fenced city of Ammochostos and his support for a two-state solution in Cyprus. The questions and answers were as follows:

“Question:  Hi, Stéphane.  Yesterday, in spite of pleas by the Secretary‑General and of the Security Council in Varosha, Turkish President [Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan went for a picnic in the fenced area.  Is the Secretary‑General intending to do something more drastic this time?  And since he openly supported a two‑State solution for Cyprus, is this altering Secretary‑General’s plans to send Mrs. [Jane Holl] Lute to the island for a new exploratory initiative?

Spokesman:  Look, I don’t have anything to share with you on Ms. Lute’s potential travel.  We’ve, obviously, been following what’s been going on over the weekend in Varosha very closely and I would say with concern.  Our position on Varosha remains unchanged, and we’re guided by the relevant Security Council resolutions, as we’ve often said.  I think it is important and the Secretary‑General calls on all parties to avoid any unilateral actions that could trigger tensions on the island and that would potentially undermine a return to dialogue for the future success of talks.  We call again on the parties to engage in dialogue in order to resolve their differences.  We believe it is important to resume a viable and comprehensive negotiation process and remain committed to supporting the two sides in revitalising the political process.  And we reiterate our readiness to explore the possibility of convening an informal five‑plus‑UN meeting at an appropriate stage.  But, ultimately, the means for a durable solution in Cyprus are in the hands of the parties.

Question:  Since Mr. Erdoğan speaks now for a two‑State solution and the Secretary‑General, in his reports, he’s speaking about his six points at Crans‑Montana. On which basis is the new effort going to start?

Spokesman:  Well, the Secretary‑General’s positions remains unchanged.  You’ve laid it out yourself, quoting the various Security Council… various reports to the Security Council.  So, our position will not change. We will leave you to do the compare‑and‑contrast”. 

(MPO/ΕΚ/SCH)