During yesterday's (27.1.23) regular briefing of the UN international media by the Representative of the Secretary-General Mr. Stéphane Dujarric, OMEGA correspondent Michael Ignatiou, asked the Representative whether it was true that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Cyprus, Mr. Colin Steward, has blamed the Greek Cypriot side for the impasse on the Cyprus issue.
The Spokesperson in response said that he had seen the press reports regarding Mr. Steward's talks, however he noted that we do not comment on talks that may have taken place in a private meeting. He noted that what matters is the Secretary-General's opinion and views on the Cyprus problem. He referred to the two reports of the Secretary-General released this month and stressed that his position is clear and this is the position of the Secretariat as well. "We at the United Nations, and that includes Mr. Steward and the UN Mission in Cyprus, are working impartially with both sides in Cyprus. I would like to add that Mr. Steward has the full support and confidence of the Secretary-General for his work," Mr. Dujarric said.
The reporter then asked the Spokesperson if he was in a position to give a response to the President's statement who said "If indeed something similar was said, the least that could be said is that we are no longer talking about a representative of the UN, but a representative of those who violate international law" with Mr. Dujarric responding that the UN position remains unchanged. He also encouraged journalists and observers to see the Secretary-General's position which is clear and it is the position of Mr. Steward who continues to have the full support of the Secretary-General and will continue to work impartially. He stressed that it is important to focus on what has been said officially, on what is written in the reports and not on rumours from private conversations.
Continuing, Ignatiou raised the question if Mr. Steward has indeed accused the Greek Cypriot side, which he believes, will the Secretary General still trust him? In response, Mr. Dujarric noted that he was not present in the discussion and noted that it is a mistake to try to analyze what may have been said in private, in hallways, at dinners or elsewhere. What is important is Mr. Steward's statement which focuses on representing the Secretary-General, representing the UN in the most impartial way possible. Again, Mr. Steward has the full support of the Secretary-General."
Asked if the Secretary-General believes that the Turkish invasion is similar to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Dujarric said that comparing and contrasting different situations is best left to journalists and analysts. Finally, when asked what the Secretary-General's position is on the occupation of Cyprus and Palestine, the Representative noted that the Secretary-General's view on Cyprus is written in a large number of reports issued by the UN.
For the Q&As in full in English, click here.
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