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Downer in the firing line from Cypriot leaders

President Demetris Christofias will meet with United Nations special adviser Alexander Downer in the coming days for a comprehensive discussion that will include his role in the talks between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities

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Downer in the firing line from Cypriot leaders
2 Feb 2012

President Demetris Christofias will meet with United Nations special adviser Alexander Downer in the coming days for a comprehensive discussion that will include his role in the talks between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. The meeting was announced by government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou, who did not however disclose further details.

"Certainly, the discussion includes issues concerning his role as special adviser on the Cyprus problem of the UN Secretary-General," Stefanou said. "Let us wait for the president's meeting with Mr. Downer." Downer has fallen foul of Greek Cypriot politicians, who do not consider him impartial. Some have also demanded his removal as mediator.

They accuse him of deliberately - referring to the 'Greek Cypriot' EU presidency' rather than using either the 'Cyprus' presidency or the Republic of Cyprus' presidency' when responding to a question during the talks in New York at the beginning of t past week. Developments at New York's Greentree estate will be discussed by the national council "very soon" Stefanou announced as well.

Source: Cyprus Mail

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Mr Downer was a poor choice as UN Envoy for Cyprus and he has proven this case ever since. His limited knowledge and negative understanding has also been proven in the manner to which he refers to the Greek Cypriot' EU presidency. The tragic state of Cyprus has been a blot on the Mediterranean landscape for too long and it is well over due for resolution. But that requires a person with caring and understanding, with knowledge and respect, a person who has leadership skills - none of which Downer could do more but aspire to in his dreams. To me the solution is "simple" (in inverted brackets) - make Cyprus a neutral state equal to the Vatican or Switzerland. Friendly with Turkey and with the Hellenic Republic but not aligned to either. Neutral so that the people can live in peace and the Turkish military return to whence they came. Of course that is not an easy ask but with Downer in the UN role there can never be any substantive progress. Time that he was removed from office.
Submitted by atkenos on Fri, 2012-02-03 07:34.

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