Presenting his credentials to Ban, the new ambassador said that President Christofias looks forward to the UNSG and the international organization to protecting the principles and UN resolutions on Cyprus.
According to UN sources, Ban’s response to developments on the Cyprus issue was positive and he conveyed to Hadziminas his respect for President Christofias.
In his remarks, the Cypriot ambassador said that it is an honour for him to undertake duties at such critical phase of the Cyprus problem. He referred to President Christofias’ meeting in Paris with the UN Secretary General and thanked the latter for his firm and continued interest on Cyprus as well as his mission of good offices on the island.
He also expressed the readiness of the Greek Cypriot side to see a constructive involvement of the SG in the two communities’ efforts to solve the Cyprus issue on the basis of his good offices mission.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat decided on July 25 to start full-fledged negotiations on September 3rd, with a view to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem.
Financial Mirror, August 26, 2008
