Solution by Cypriots for Cypriots Ban Ki-Moon tells Christofias

The solution of the Cyprus problem is in the hands of the Cypriots, “after talks between Cypriots for Cypriots”, UN Secretary-General Mr told President Christofias at a meeting between the two of them on Sunday in Paris. “We have confirmed the ownership of the procedure – Cypriots are the owners of the procedure – and that the United Nations will play, with consistency and objectivity, the role of the creator of the conditions”, Christofias told journalists after the meeting. “This satisfies us. We have stressed our readiness to work hard with patience and persistence, always defending, of course, the principles set out by the UN resolutions”. He added that he had reiterate his commitment to a bizonal, bicommunal federation and leaves satisfied , while the UNSG assured him that the UN is keen to see the Cyprus problem solved the soonest.

Politis reports that it seems that the UN has decided to approach the process differently to the way they did in 2004. First they do not intend to draft any kind of blueprint for the solution of the problem, second they will give the leaders enough time to present their own ideas and if they reach a deadlock anywhere they can call upon "the body of work" that has gone before together with the mediation of the UN. Third it will not take on the role of arbitrer this time as it didn't work last time and enabled elements on both sides to criticise the process. Christofias and Talat will be the sole 'owners' of the process. They have been told there is no Plan B to the international call for them to reach a solution and it will be their responsibility to do so. Both leaders must be encouraged to prepare public opinion as regards realities and the realistic form of a solution that will arise from a bizonal, bicommunal federation. The two leaders will also be encouraged to set up a hotline between them in order to neutralise any negativity that may try to scupper their relations.

The paper adds that Christofias made an excellent impression with the way he approached Mr Ban Ki-Moon, squeezing his hand and his arm firmly and beaming widely, which took the UNSG by surprise but which he immediately reciprocated. Diplomatic circles said that the meeting was very warm and they liked the way Christofias gets his messages across with a smile.

Mr Ban Ki-Moon is due to meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Talat today in Berlin.

Meanwhile the Turkish Cypriot press reports that Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan accompanied by six of his ministers is expected to visit the north of Cyprus on 20 July in order to participate in celebrations to mark the anniversary of the Turkish invasion of the island .

Kibris reported recently that Ozdil Nami, the representative of the Turkish Cypriot leader, who met yesterday with Presidential Commissioner, George Iacovou, told Bayrak television that he and Mr Iacovou had ascertained that more than ten of the technical committees have come “extremely close” to a result. He said that they have already began preparations for the Christofias – Talat meeting on 25 July.

The Cyprus Mail’s editorial today says that the UN has, quite rightly, now decided to leave all the decision-making to the two sides. The hardliners on both sides would not be able oppose an agreement on the grounds that it was imposed by foreigners, as they had done in 2004. More importantly, if and when the leaders reach an agreement they would be responsible for selling it to the people and not the UN or EU as was the case in 2004. Ownership of the procedure also places big responsibilities on the two leaders, which is no bad thing when we consider how quick politicians have been to reject peace proposals over the last three decades on the grounds that they had been drafted by foreigners. The UN Secretary-General has refused to take the role of the fall-guy this time around, placing all the responsibility, for the success of the peace procedure, on the leaders of the two sides. It was about time.