Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, has said that the Turkish Cypriots’ will to choose Tufan Erhrman as their new leader opens a new chapter of hope and expectations for the island’s reunification on the basis of the resolutions of the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council.
“A reunification that will guarantee peace and prosperity for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots within the European family,” he added, noting that the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Republic of Cyprus, has undertaken tireless efforts, following a long period of inaction, to bring the Cyprus Issue back to the UN Secretary-General’s agenda and to resume the informal discussions.
“We look forward to working together on the next step in the upcoming informal meeting in a broader format. Divisions have no place in the modern turbulent international landscape. Cyprus must convey the universal message of synthesis and unity,” Gerapetritis noted.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.