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Holguin’s appointment could assist in breaking deadlock, President says


The appointment of the UNSG’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, his personal interest and the increased interest by the EU and international community could contribute in breaking the deadlock in the Cyprus issue and resuming meaningful talks, President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday.

He addressed a reception hosted by the Ambassador of Greece in Nicosia, Ioannis Papameletiou, on the occasion of Greek Independence Day, at his Residence in Nicosia.

The President praised the struggle for liberation during the Greek Revolution of 1821, describing the revolution as one of the most important and defining historical event of the modern history of the Greek Nation.

The President underlined that the Greek Revolution reflects the passion of the people who were aware of their weighty national heritage. He said that in adverse conditions they managed to keep and strengthen their national identity and engaged in an unequal struggle.

In his address the President referred to Cyprus
contribution to the Greek Revolution which resulted in the hanging of Archbishop Kyprianos, considered a national martyr.

He said that it is no coincidence that the liberation struggle of EOKA , the anniversary of which we will celebrate in a few days, was based on the vision and example of the Greek Revolution.

President Christodoulides referred to the struggle for a solution to the Cyprus problem, noting once again that we will not compromise.

He pointed out that the current state of affairs, which perpetuates the occupation and creates a new fait accompli, cannot be the future of our country and our children.

He said that we want the resumption of the talks from were they left off in Crans- Montana, with the sole aim of resolving the Cyprus issue on the basis of the agreed framework and principles and values of the European Union. It is our national obligation, to liberate our country, to put an end to the current unacceptable state of affairs, as soon as possible, he said.

President Christodoulides w
ent on to say that the occupation and guarantees must end and all Cypriots should enjoy their human rights and basic freedoms, stressing that “we are continuing our efforts for our non-negotiable purpose, an honest, decent and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.”

He said that the reunification will create opportunities for development and prosperity and will safeguard stability in Cyprus and the region.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results.

The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres appointed María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar of Columbia as his personal envoy for Cyprus, to assume a Good Offices role on his behalf and search for common ground on the way forward in the Cyprus issue.

Source: Cyprus News Agency