Fitto Pledges Support For UN-Led Cyprus Process In First Statement As EU Envoy

In his first public statement following the appointment, the European Commission Executive Vice-President said he was honoured to take on the role and thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for her confidence in him.

Fitto said he looked forward to working closely with UN Secretary-General António Guterres' Personal Envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, to support the United Nations-led peace process.

He stressed that he is committed to helping create the conditions necessary for the resumption of negotiations and to encouraging dialogue between all parties involved.

"I am honoured by this appointment and grateful to President Ursula von der Leyen for her trust," Fitto said in a post on social media.

He added that he intends to contribute to confidence-building efforts among all stakeholders and interlocutors in order to help advance a comprehensive and lasting settlement to the Cyprus issue.

Fitto reiterated that his mandate will focus on supporting the UN framework and complementing the efforts already being led by the United Nations to facilitate a return to formal negotiations.

Earlier in the day, the European Commission announced Fitto's appointment as Special Representative for Cyprus, describing the move as a demonstration of the EU's commitment to the reunification of the island. The Commission said Fitto would engage with all relevant parties and work in close coordination with Holguin to help prepare the ground for renewed settlement talks.