The UN Secretary-General’s (UNSG) Special Adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide has discussed the Cyprus problem with the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mevlut Cavusoglu, ‘Kibris Postasi’ reports.
Speaking after the meeting, Eide said that they are focused on solving Cyprus problem. Asked whether they discussed the issue of the fenced off city of Varosha/Maras within the framework of the Confidence Building Measures (CBM), Eide noted that Varosha was discussed but it is not a main issue in the negotiating process. He said that he is focused on the solution of the main problem of the island and the reunification of Cyprus through a negotiated solution. The Norwegian diplomat further noted that the solution of the Cyprus problem is urgent and progress should be achieved without further delay. He added that on 7th October he will return to the island with bridging proposals and they will start discussing all chapters with both sides.
Asked what is different at the current negotiating process comparing to the past, Eide replied that “now we have a structure on which the agreement and the core issues will be negotiated“.
‘Kibris Postasi’ writes that the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued no statement after the meeting, but according to information acquired by the paper’s correspondent in New York, Turkey said that it supports the negotiations in Cyprus and wants a solution as soon as possible. It is said that Cavusoglu discussed with his Greek counterpart the issue of cross visits by the Cypriot negotiators to Athens and Ankara, but there has been no concrete outcome on this matter.
