President Akıncı: “Lute’s visit should not be viewed as the beginning of a new never ending negotiation process”

President Mustafa Akıncı stated that UN Envoy Jane Holl Lute’s upcoming visit should not be considered as the beginning of a new never ending negotiation process.

Akıncı made a statement to the press following his meeting with the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative to Cyprus Elizabeth Spehar. Akıncı expressed that during the meeting, they discussed Jane Holl Lute’s visit to the island, and the mission of the UNFICYP to be handled at the UN Security Council meeting on 17 July 2018.

Underlining that Lute was not appointed as a replacement to the former UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor, Akıncı said that Lute has been appointed as a temporary envoy who will be meeting with both sides with the aim of considering the potential to resume the talks.

President Akıncı stressed that Lute’s appointment should not be considered as the beginning of a new open-ended negotiation process, and said that he continues to maintain his position  on results-oriented talks on the basis of an understanding of a strategic package.

Furthermore, Akıncı added that following the conference and meetings, Lute will determine the state of both sides and submit a report to the UN Secretary General.