New York, United States. UN Special Representative and UNFICYP chief Khassim Diagne is expected to brief the Security Council next month as diplomatic activity over the Cyprus issue increases ahead of a planned expanded meeting. The briefing is expected to be held behind closed doors during the second week of July, according to information obtained by the Cyprus News Agency.
Security Council briefing expected in July
The Security Council has not yet announced the dates for its consideration of reports by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on his good offices mission and the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus.
Debate over settlement framework
Discussion over the direction of possible talks has intensified in recent days following reports that alternative ideas, including a “loose federation”, may be under consideration as part of a future settlement framework.
Christodoulides highlights EU role
President Nikos Christodoulides said the European Union has “the most decisive role” in supporting the UN-led effort. He said any future settlement must be fully compatible with EU principles and law.
Reactions from political figures
Former Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ozdil Nami said a new power-sharing model was “neither necessary nor appropriate”, adding that the main elements of governance had already been negotiated in previous rounds of talks.
Akel secretary-general Stefanos Stefanou called on the Greek Cypriot side to maintain a clear position that negotiations should resume from the point where they ended at Crans-Montana in 2017, while preserving previously agreed convergences.
