The UN Secretary-General continues to be in active consultation with both sides regarding the appointment of an envoy for the Cyprus conflict, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said on Wednesday after meeting with President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulidis, which took place at the Presidential Palace.
Mr. Lacroix told the media that it was a very constructive and productive discussion with President Christodoulidis and they discussed the support provided by the Republic of Cyprus to UNFICYP, the agreement regarding the Arsos-Pylas road but also the situation in the region and especially in Gaza.
Regarding the road in Pyla, he said “we are looking forward to the implementation of the agreement and UNFICYP will continue to work with both sides so that the implementation of this important agreement takes place”.
Speaking about President Christodoulides’ initiative for humanitarian aid to Gaza, Mr. Lacroix said that “we believe as a UN that the readiness of the Republic of Cyprus to provide its aid in the humanitarian effort is highly appreciated, that is why we really welcome this expression of readiness by President Christodoulidis”.
Asked by a reporter to clarify the situation regarding the appointment of an envoy for the Cyprus issue, and reports that the Turkish side rejected the appointment of Australian Julie Bishop as an envoy, Mr. Lacroix said he could not comment on what the media were reporting. information, because the media are free to say what they want.
“What I can tell you is that the Secretary-General continues to be in consultation with both sides very actively, so that’s really what we’re doing on this issue,” he said.
Asked whether it was time for confidence-building measures, in the absence of negotiations, such as for missing persons on whom more information needed to be provided by Turkey and military records, Mr Lacroix said the Commission of Inquiry on Missing Persons was indeed a very important measure of confidence building by expressing his appreciation of her work.
He added that he will visit the said Committee noting that President Christodoulidis expressed the support of the Cyprus Government to this Committee and added that the United Nations will continue to be actively supportive of this very important Committee.
Asked whether the United Nations will be responsible for the distribution of humanitarian aid when and if it arrives in Gaza, Mr. Lacroix replied “what I can tell you is that our colleagues, and of course the Secretary-General primarily , are responsible for humanitarian efforts and are actively working to ensure that more humanitarian aid can be delivered to the people of Gaza.
Source: KYPE
