Statement by the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Cyprus, Mr. Espen Barth Eide

26 Jul 2017

Statement by the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Cyprus, Mr. Espen Barth Eide

NICOSIA, 26 July 2017 - Following my briefing to the United Nations Security Council last week, I have held consultations with the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Mustafa Akıncı. While in New York, I also held detailed discussions with the Secretary-General, the top leadership of the United Nations, the guarantor powers and the broader diplomatic community. During my meetings with the leaders in Cyprus this week, I shared the results of my trip to New York and listened to their reflections on the outcome at Crans-Montana. In addition, I held discussions with other key stakeholders, including the diplomatic community in Nicosia and representatives of the European Union and the international financial institutions supporting the process. At Crans-Montana, key elements required for a settlement emerged in a heightened and challenging environment. Assessing all aspects of the Conference on Cyprus will take time; both the challenges and opportunities it presented, as well as the contents of the diverse discussions held among the various participants. As per the recommendation of the Secretary-General, the two sides are in a period of reflection. Following wide-ranging consultations in Cyprus this week, I remain convinced that the best chance for a mutually-agreed solution in Cyprus is through the established United Nations parameters. In the coming days, I will inform the Secretary-General of the reflections of both sides to date. I will return to Cyprus next week to continue these consultations. End.