The UN are examining various possibilities as
regards the solution of the Cyprus problem, including whether or not such a
solution would entail a bizonal, bicommunal federation.
Press reports said that the UN Secretary-General’s
Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer said this while addressing foreign
diplomats in Nicosia this week in an attempt to convey the disappointment of
the island’s citizens to the fact that no solution had been found.
“Is a bizonal, bicommunal federation the best
solution, or is it something else”, he said.
Speaking after a meeting previously with
President Christofias, Mr Downer said: “My overall take is that there has been a lot of
progress made over the last few years but obviously there remain some obstacles
and difficulties which have not be resolved”.
He
said that the UN would meet with the newly President of Cyprus after the
elections of February 2013 and draw his or her attention to what had been
achieved thus far under President Christofias.
He
added that the new President would obviously be able to make his or her own
decisions on how they would like to proceed regarding the Cyprus problem. The
UN is guided by the Security Council resolutions, Mr Downer further pointed
out. “That’s the basis of our work, so we will just see what can be done once
the election is out of the way”, he explained
Mr Downer will be visiting Athens, Ankara and
Brussels and will return to Cyprus in January.
Akel, Edek and presidential candidate George
Lillikas all reacted to Downer’s statement. Akel objected to what it perceived
as Downer putting into question the agreed basis for a solution, while Edek and
Lillikas objected to his phrase “something else” interpreting this as meaning
Turkey’s solution of two states.
“This shows the disastrous role that he is
playing”, said Edek. “It is unacceptable for Downer to continue to represent
the UN when he is now so obviously promoting Turkish aims”.
