Russia Offers Support for UN-Led Cyprus Negotiations
In a recent meeting held in Moscow, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin. During this encounter, Lavrov conveyed Russia’s readiness to support efforts aimed at restarting negotiations between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. The Russian ministry of foreign affairs released a statement affirming this commitment to assist in creating favorable conditions for dialogue.
The ministry’s statement emphasized that any settlement model should be both fair and sustainable, aligning with the resolutions passed by the UN Security Council. It further insisted that the solution should be determined by the Cypriot parties themselves, with due consideration of their legitimate interests.
Lavrov commended the work of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), noting its role in maintaining stability on the island—a critical factor for fostering intercommunal dialogue. He underscored Russia’s willingness to enhance the effectiveness of the global organization’s efforts in Cyprus, including through its participation in UNFICYP.
Additional discussions between Holguin and Russian Deputy Foreign Ministers Sergei Vershinin and Alexander Grushko were also mentioned. These extensive consultations covered various aspects of the Cyprus settlement, focusing on the role of the global organization in seeking a resolution to the longstanding issue.
Russia reaffirmed its support for Holguin’s work in facilitating intercommunal contacts. The second statement reiterated Russia’s principled stance advocating for a comprehensive, sustainable, and equitable resolution to the Cyprus problem. This stance is firmly rooted within the international legal framework established by UN Security Council resolutions, advocating for a process free from external pressures and emphasizing the crucial role of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, taking into account their respective interests and concerns.
With these developments, the stage is set for renewed momentum in the
