Letimbiotis: Turkey’s Return to Negotiating Table Is a Priority

An interview with UN Secretary-General’s Personal Representative for Cyprus Maria Angela Holguin, published yesterday in Politis, was widely covered by Greek Cypriot newspapers today, with Letimbiotis also commenting on the issue.

Phileleftheros ran the headline “Holguin Takes Turkey Out of the Picture on Progress”, referring to the interview and suggesting that Holguin was seeking to leave Turkey outside the process for resolving the Cyprus problem.

The newspaper said the Greek Cypriot government did not agree with Holguin’s approach and quoted Letimbiotis on the issue.

Letimbiotis claimed that the success of the UN Secretary-General’s efforts in achieving sufficient progress and paving the way for the resumption of negotiations depended on all sides demonstrating genuine political will.

Referring to the statements made by UN Secretary-General António Guterres after meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, and before leaving the island, Letimbiotis said Guterres had “emphasised the role of the guarantor states in this effort.”

Letimbiotis claimed that “it has been known for years that Turkey is outside the framework defined by UN Security Council resolutions.”

He said they would continue supporting the Secretary-General’s efforts as planned and would remain in close cooperation and coordination with Holguin.

Recalling that the leaders are due to meet on August 26, Letimbiotis said they would have an opportunity to discuss several issues concerning confidence-building measures.

“UN Secretary-General’s proposal on the crossing points, which Christodoulides has accepted, is known. We expect the same constructive attitude from the other side in order to make progress. However, what needs to happen first, and what is the priority, is for Turkey to return to the negotiating table and align with the UN framework,” Letimbiotis said.

Other newspapers carried the following headlines on the issue:

Politis: “Government Comments on Holguin Interview – ‘Turkey’s Return to Negotiations Is a Priority’”

Haravgi: “Letimbiotis: Expectations for Cyprus Problem Through Guterres”

Alithia: “Presidency Opens Another Front with Holguin – Letimbiotis Responds to Holguin’s Three Conditions”