UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that if there is a moment in which a solution for the Cyprus problem is important is this moment so that Cyprus is not put more in the centre of unnecessary events.
The UN Chief remarked the Presidential Palace when he was welcomed by President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, who said “we need good news in Cyprus and at an international level", noting that Cyprus counts on Guterres’ support.
Welcoming the UNSG, Christodoulides said “we're very glad to have you. It's another clear indication of your commitment to the solution of the Cyprus problem based on the UN Security Council resolutions, and I am looking forward to our discussions, to our deliberations”.
Christodoulides added, “we need good news in Cyprus. We need good news in the region. We need good news at the international level and we ,count on your support and on your political commitment, especially in these very challenging international, challenging times at the international level, where we see also the actions from certain actors that they undermined the international system that was established following World War II”.
The President said we all have a responsibility to do whatever is necessary in order "for international law, international values and principles to be upheld”.
Replying, Guterres said, “it's an enormous pleasure to be back and as you rightly said, if there is a moment in which a solution for the Cyprus problem is important is this moment of chaos in the region and with some geopolitical changes that could all of a sudden put Cyprus more in the centre of unnecessary events”.
He described his visit as one of “solidarity and humility, and the visit is to support the two Cypriot communities to find a solution. Having full conscience that a solution for Cyprus will have not only a very positive impact for Cyprus but will be extremely useful in the context of a very difficult situation of the region.”
Guterres said, “you can count on my total commitment with humility because it is not for me to teach to anybody whatever should be done, but with humility I'm here with total commitment to support your efforts.”
Information obtained by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) indicates that the main purpose of the UN Secretary-General’s visit, before the end of his term, is to leave his successor with a substantive framework upon which efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem can continue.
The same sources noted that the Secretary-General’s approach remains unchanged: the United Nations is not in Cyprus to impose any solution, but to facilitate a process that reflects the will of the island’s people.
In this context, Guterres wishes to hold open and frank discussions not only with the two leaders, but also with representatives of civil society and the bicommunal Technical Committees.
