Nicosia, Cyprus. Disy and the Turkish Cypriot political party CTP said on Friday that the forthcoming visit of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Cyprus is an opportunity that should not be missed.
Both parties said the visit could help create conditions for the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus problem.
Disy position
Disy leader Annita Demetriou described Guterres’ visit as a “particularly important development” and an opportunity to be approached with seriousness, responsibility and national understanding.
She said a common commitment was needed to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem, adding that the resumption of negotiations was necessary to reach that goal.
Demetriou said Disy would continue supporting substantive efforts aimed at creating conditions for renewed talks and progress towards a solution without occupying troops, anachronistic guarantees and intervention rights.
Such a settlement, she said, would ensure security and prosperity for all legal residents of the Republic of Cyprus.
CTP position
CTP deputy leader Asim Akansoy said Guterres’ visit showed that the Cyprus problem had regained importance amid changing regional and global balances.
He said the world was experiencing a period marked by wars, security crises and geopolitical restructuring, while the eastern Mediterranean had become a critical centre for energy, security, trade routes and regional balances.
Akansoy said the visit demonstrated that Cyprus was being addressed not only as an issue between the two communities, but also as a strategic matter affecting regional stability.
He said the Turkish Cypriot people’s political stance was particularly important at a time when the will for a solution had regained strength, adding that expectations were focused on a mutually acceptable, lasting and sustainable settlement.
Akansoy said such a solution must be based on United Nations Security Council resolutions, international law and the guarantee of political equality.