in-cyprus 17 February 2024
The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on Cyprus is proceeding with cautious and deliberate steps.
Seeking to put an end to speculation and statements regarding her mission, Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar issued a statement yesterday informing that her second trip to Cyprus will commence from London, where she will have contacts with the British Foreign Ministry.
In the statement, Holguín emphasized that in this initial phase of her mandate, the search for common ground requires careful listening, allowing for the emergence of new questions to be raised in discussions with decision-makers.
She noted that different perspectives have helped her understand the complexity of the situation, and there are many critical voices she intends to continue listening to.
Therefore, she stressed the importance of building trust, which is seriously lacking, as a fundamental prerequisite for building a future.
As she stated in her declaration, “according to the Secretary-General’s mandate, I had a very satisfactory first trip to the island, later visiting Athens and Ankara, the capitals of the two guarantor powers. As we communicated there, the goal was to have an initial contact with Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders and to hear from members of civil society, former negotiators, representatives of the international community, youth, academics, and other experts.”
Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar said that “different perspectives have enriched my understanding of the complexity of the situation, and there are many critical voices I want to continue listening to.”
She announced that her next trip “will start in London the first week of March to complete the cycle of contacts with the guarantor powers. Then I will return to Cyprus, where I hope to meet with political party leaders, representatives of society, as well as representatives of trade and economic chambers, while I will speak again with the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders.
She added that “at this initial stage, the search for common ground requires careful listening, allowing for the emergence of new questions to be raised in discussions with decision-makers. Of course, all cards are on the table, as in any conflict. The level of disappointment felt by many, accumulated after several negotiation efforts, is entirely understandable, so it is vital to build trust, which is seriously lacking, as a fundamental prerequisite for building a future.”
She concluded, “I greatly appreciate avoiding speculation, so I thank the media for their understanding and patience, and I am committed to sharing whatever is reasonable and possible. I do this work with the greatest enthusiasm and commitment.”
President Christodoulides also intends to travel to London for contacts in the near future.
The government spokesperson announced on Thursday President Christodoulides’ trip to London for contacts at the British Foreign Ministry, without providing further details.
What we learned during yesterday’s day is that President Christodoulides’ trip to London is scheduled for mid-April.
From the information available so far, the President will be in London to visit the Cypriot diaspora. It was not revealed whether on that trip he would meet with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the United Kingdom.
