The President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, expressed on Wednesday his readiness to take part in an informal five-party conference, in order to reach an agreement on the terms of reference for the resumption of settlement talks. Speaking with UN Special Adviser, Jane Holl Lute, on the phone, the President also pointed to the continuous Turkish violations of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus.
According to a written announcement by Deputy Government Spokesperson, Panayiotis Sentonas, President Anastasiades talked on Wednesday afternoon with Lute on the phone and exchanged views on the Cyprus problem.
The President reiterated his readiness and political will to take part in an informal five-party conference, in order to agree on the terms of reference that will lead to a new round of creative talks, it is added.
“During the exchange, the President of the Republic had the chance to point out to Lute that Turkey’s continued violations of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus are not just not helping to create the necessary climate, but are also raising concerns among Greek Cypriots over Turkey’s true intentions” it is added.
Lute assured the President of Cyprus that she will convey to the UN Secretary-General the intentions and concerns raised by the President, the announcement concludes.
Cyprus remains divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks for a Cyprus settlement have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
