President Nikos Christodoulides held very constructive talks with the newly appointed UN Secretary-General's Special Representative Khassim Diagne, said government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis on Wednesday.
Speaking after Diagne met Christodoulides for the first time in his official capacity as new UNFICYP head, Letymbiotis reiterated the president's political will for close cooperation with Diagne and the UN, particularly towards efforts at kickstarting the Cyprus talks where they left off at Crans Montana, within the agreed framework,
"Pending issues that are not moving forward due to Turkish provocations were discussed," Letymbiotis added, with the president putting to Mr Diagne, daily problems with the living conditions of the enclaved, as well as the fact that five Greek-Cypriots remain trapped in the north for more than three months now, after initially spending two months in jail.
"There are also daily Turkish provocations on the Green Line," Letymbiotis added.
The president remains at Diagne's disposal for close contacts and communication so the Republic can contribute to the highest possible degree in fullfilling the UN official's mandate, based on relevant resolutions, said the spokesman.
No Erhurman communication, Holguin coming soon
"The president has not managed to reach the new leader of the Turkish-Cypriots despite his best efforts," Letymbiotis said. He expressed the hope that such efforts will materialise the soonest possible.
On next steps and the process leading to an informal five-party conference before the end of the year, Letymbiotis said that the UNSG's personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin is expected back in Cyprus soon, after she arranges a meeting with Tufan Erhurman, so she can also follow up with her contacts in Ankara, London and Brussels.
"There is still no date on the five party conference, with official UN announcements expected after Holguin meets Erhurman and other involved parties," he added.
President Christodoulides has proven his constructive stance over the past two and a half years, said the spokesman, noting that thanks to Greek Cypriot initatives and constructive approach, there is some movement during this period.
"Everyone's political will will become clear at the negotiating table," he said.
"Ι feel honoured for this mission," Diagne said following the talks, noting that the UN Secretary General is really focused in the process of solving the Cyprus issue and as part of his own efforts and role, he "will also do everything possible to ensure that any UN activity in Cyprus will substantially contribute towards creating the conditions for both the President and the Turkish Cypriot leader to engage in talks".
"You can count on me and the entire UNFICYP team to support efforts," the UN official said during his first meeting with Christodoulides.
Diagne said that he will also meet with Tufan Erhurman later this week.