President Nikos Christodoulides engaged in diplomatic dialogues with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at COP28 in Dubai. Discussions centered around addressing tensions in the buffer zone near Ayios Dhometios, Nicosia due to Turkish army activities and the urgent need for a UN special envoy to restart peace negotiations.
What were the main topics of discussion between President Nikos Christodoulides and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at COP28?
At COP28 in Dubai, President Nikos Christodoulides and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres discussed the urgent situation in the buffer zone near Ayios Dhometios, Nicosia, due to Turkish army activities, and the need to appoint a UN special envoy to restart peace negotiations.
High-Level Discussions at COP28
In the bustling city of Dubai, where leaders from around the world have gathered for the COP28 Summit, an important meeting took place between President Nikos Christodoulides and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The sidelines of the summit provided a backdrop for the two to discuss pressing issues affecting the region.
Addressing the Buffer Zone Tensions
A topic of immediate concern brought up by President Christodoulides was the recent Turkish army activities in the buffer zone near Ayios Dhometios, Nicosia. The area, meant to be a neutral zone, has seen incursions in the past days, stirring up tensions and international attention.
The Quest for a Special Envoy
Emphasizing the urgency to de-escalate the situation, Christodoulides highlighted the importance of appointing a UN special envoy. The aim for this appointment would be to rekindle negotiations and address the fragmented peace talks, picking up from where they were left off.
A Brief Exchange with Erdogan
Adding to the high-profile encounters, President Christodoulides was also seen engaging in a brief conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This interaction, captured on social media, lasted a few minutes and has sparked curiosity about the possible discussions between the two leaders.
Reactive Measures to Buffer Zone Breaches
Following two notable incidents in the buffer zone, Christodoulides assured on Thursday that both “visible and invisible” actions would be taken. The first incident involved Turkish troops installing surveillance equipment and the second saw a military vehicle briefly entering the buffer zone, both of which were met with responses from Unficyp staff.
Unwavering Commitment to Dialogue
These high-level dialogues signify a dedication to resolving regional issues through communication and diplomatic channels. Despite the challenges faced, such meetings are crucial steps towards a peaceful and cooperative future.
Quick Recap
- President Nikos Christodoulides engaged in diplomatic dialogues with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at COP28 in Dubai.
- Discussions centered around addressing tensions in the buffer zone near Ayios Dhometios, Nicosia due to Turkish army activities.
- There is an urgent need for a UN special envoy to restart peace negotiations.
- President Christodoulides also had a brief exchange with Turkish President Erdogan, sparking curiosity about their discussions.
- Reactive measures will be taken in response to breaches in the buffer zone, including visible and invisible actions.
