Cyprus leaders must make decisions to continue the peace process, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy María Ángela Holguín said on Friday.
Following her meeting with President Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace, Holguín noted that her visit aims to prepare the September meeting between UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the two Cypriot leaders.
“I have just completed the meeting with Mr Christodoulides. I am coming to prepare the September meeting with the Secretary-General and the two leaders. I want to inform the SG about how the situation is on the island, what the climate is. That is why I am here,” she said.
Envoy to continue contacts
The Special Envoy noted she will continue her contacts over the coming days, including a Monday meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and with members of the Committee on Missing Persons.
Her programme also includes visits to cemeteries that have been restored “both in the north and south” of Cyprus, a meeting with the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Youth, and contacts with representatives of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
“I want to form an overall picture of how things are and inform the SG for the next meeting,” she explained.
Leaders must decide, envoy emphasises
Asked to comment on whether she believes there are realistic prospects for implementing confidence-building measures despite the current political situation, Holguín noted decisions belong to the Cypriot leaders.
“The UN, myself and the Secretary-General do the best we can, but the leaders must make decisions,” she emphasised.
Holguín is expected to complete her visit on Tuesday.