Statement by the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Cyprus, Mr. Espen Barth Eide
NICOSIA, 26 May 2017 - Over the last nine days, following the 17 May meeting of the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Mustafa Akıncı, I have been engaged in active shuttle diplomacy between the two sides as requested by the leaders. As both leaders have publicly expressed their desire to reconvene the Conference on Cyprus and to finalize all outstanding issues in Geneva, our sole focus has been to agree the modalities by which this can be achieved. Unfortunately, despite serious efforts to overcome their differences regarding the modalities for meeting in Geneva, the leaders were unable to find common ground. Without a prospect for common ground, there is no basis for continuing this shuttle diplomacy. This morning, I have informed Mr. Akıncı and Mr. Anastasiades accordingly. Subsequently, I briefed the Ambassadors of the five Permanent Members of the Security Council in a joint meeting. I will now inform the Secretary-General and seek his advice on the way forward. End.