Cyprus appoints envoy for Cyprus issue in Africa and Asia — Cyprus Mail
In Cyprus, the Council of Ministers approved the appointment of former MP Nicos Tornaritis as presidential envoy for the Cyprus issue in Africa and Asia. President Nikos Christodoulides publicly defended the decision and said it was not linked to electoral considerations, Cyprus Mail writes.
Tornaritis’ position
Tornaritis said on Omega TV that the president had invited him to take the post because of his experience. “There must be specialised representatives who will work day and night for our country,” he said.
According to Tornaritis, before the announcement of his new role, he informed Anita and the leadership of the DISY party about it. He also claims that most of those he spoke to congratulated him, considering the position suitable for him and one that could deliver results for the country.
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Settlement negotiations
A Cyprus Mail column critically assesses the creation of the new post. The author suggests that the envoy’s work may involve trips to African and Asian states and informing their representatives about the situation surrounding the Cyprus settlement.
The publication also reported that Christodoulides and Tufan Erhürman held a final meeting before travelling to New York for the 81st UN General Assembly. According to the column, UN Secretary-General António Guterres had previously said that he did not plan to hold a joint meeting of the two leaders in New York and had not announced a 5+1 format.
Guterres, as quoted by Cyprus Mail, noted: “There is still a lot of work ahead.” The columnist writes that possible confidence-building measures, the methodology of negotiations, and the opening of crossing points were discussed.
