UNSG Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide believes that the developments during the past couple of days will not cast a shadow on progress in the Cyprus negotiations.
After meeting with Mustafa Akinci on Thursday morning, he said that the postponement of the leaders’ meeting was undesirable. However, he did not want to overestimate or underestimate the severity of the issue.
The two leaders should come together on this issue and not let events undermine progress achieved so far, in the negotiations. He reflected on the commitment both leaders had shown in the talks, so far. “It is not optimal and all of us need to reflect on what has happened over the past few days”.
With regard to the telephone conversations held between US Vice President Joe Biden and the two community leaders, Eide emphasised the importance of having support from the international community.
His meeting with Akinci was “positive, thorough and honest”, Eide said and added that he also raised the issue of the decision taken by the Turkish Cypriots to limit access to Greek Orthodox places of worship.
Responding to questions, Eide said he would be meeting with President Anastasiades when Anastasiades was ready. He also noted that he believed Anastasiades and Akinci would not allow the disagreements over the last few days to undermine the progress achieved over the years, in the negotiations.
Cyprus Weekly
