Statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Kotzias, following his meeting with the UN Secretary-General’s special envoy on Cyprus, Jane Holl Lute (Athens, 11 September 2018)

“We met with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Cyprus, Mrs. Lute. Mrs. Lute is not a mediator. She is here more to get a sense of the views of all of the sides participating in a potential settlement of the Cyprus problem.

I set out our views for her. I underscored that the Cyprus issue is first and foremost a problem of occupation. I set out our views on the rights of the Turkish Cypriots, the Greek Cypriots and the three small minorities. I told her that the main issue for the Greek Cypriots is for them to feel secure on their island and, consequently, the need for the two small treaties – the Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Guarantee – to be abolished.

Beyond that, we discussed our outlook on the timeframe and methodology of a discussion of the Cyprus issue, and I underscored that, whenever the Secretary-General decides we should proceed to a substantial discussion and negotiations on the Cyprus problem, there first needs to be substantial and effective preparation. We first need to see if there is real will, capability and potential for substantial and productive solutions to the Cyprus issue.

Thank you.”