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Downer disappointed over Greentree talks

UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alexander Downer briefed members of the Council in the framework of the UN Secretary General's statement at Greentree talks

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Downer disappointed over Greentree talks

UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor on Cyprus, Alexander Downer speak to the media after the Greentree talks.
Photo: EPA/KATIA CHRISTODOULOU

29 Jan 2012

UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alexander Downer briefed members of the Council in the framework of the UN Secretary General's statement at Greentree talks, held last Sunday and Monday. Mr Downer noted that the progress achieved was limited, expressing at the same time his disappointment over the Greentree talks. Mr Downer said that he remains optimistic and believes there can be a successful outcome.

He said that the sides presented some proposals on the three chapters on which the talks focused and that UN officials facilitated the process. He added that the two sides pledged to present more proposals in two weeks in Cyprus. Downer also outlined the steps to be followed until May, as described in Ban's statement.

On an international conference on Cyprus, he reiterated the three preconditions announced by Ban, which provide for agreement on the internal aspects of the problem, before an international conference convenes. The members of the Security Council welcomed efforts made by the UNSG and Downer. The British raised the issue of UNFICYP restructuring, noting that the Security Council will have to reassess the presence of the force in Cyprus, on the basis of its resolutions on peace operations.

The US supported the British position, posing questions about expenditure for the force and its presence on the island for many years. They also asked whether it is time for the Council to begin contemplating a plan B. Russia, France and China disagreed with the suggestion, underlining that the issue is irrelevant with the discussions and the negotiations which are carried out.

The three countries also noted that no timetables must be laid down, nor must the process be speeded up more than it is necessary, because this could halt the process.

In regards to the issue of the international conference, they reiterated the preconditions set out by the latest Security Council resolution.

The French representative disagreed with the connection of the negotiations with the EU Cypriot Presidency during the second half of 2012.

Other members of the Security Council intervened recommending patience.

Downer agreed that the EU Cypriot Presidency and the negotiations are different things, adding that realistically when Cyprus assumes the Presidency, Cyprus and President Christofias will have a busy programme.

Downer also had meetings with ambassadors of various countries, including the permanent members of Greece and Turkey.

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Comments

I was very surprised when failed politician and the upper class Alexander Downer was given the role of UN Envoy on Cyprus. And during his time in the role he has confirmed everything that I thought. We have heard of him attacking the Labor government here, a great insult to ambassadorial protocol, far more often than anything to do with his critical role. Did he have any idea of the issues involved from the start? Did he ever try to understand them? The evidence would tend to suggest that he took to this role as lazy as he did with politics but the people of Cyprus are paying for it.
Submitted by atkenos on Wed, 2012-02-01 06:10.

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