The possibility of creating a UN office in Cyprus, as an incentive for reaching a solution to the island’s national problem and to facilitate peace and security in the broader region, was discussed on Tuesday at the House foreign affairs committee.
The idea belongs to former MEP Takis Hadjigeorgiou, who explained that if a fresh effort to solve the Cyprus problem was to be launched, an application for a UN base in Cyprus would give impetus to the talks and increase chances for a successful outcome.
Hadjigeorgiou said he had already floated the idea at home and abroad and had gained support in writing from EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, while other organisations and prominent individuals had taken a stance in favour of the initiative.
The aim of the initiative, he said, was to enhance the post-solution sense of security among Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots more than any armies or guarantees could.
“I think it is right to continue to work so that the name of Cyprus is linked, not to the word ‘problem’, but to the word ‘peace’,” he added.
Hadjigeorgiou was accompanied by former minister and president of Politia thinktank Anna Koukkides-Prokopiou, who said the organisation wished to contribute to the idea, which would benefit the whole region.
Another member of the group supporting the idea, deputy president of Dipa Marinos Kleanthous, said all political parties – with the exception of Elam – had embraced the initiative, along with Turkish Cypriots.
A foreign ministry representative told the committee that the ministry was aware of the initiative, which it viewed favourably, but pointed out that setting up an organisation’s main office in another country was a big move.
Speaking after the meeting, chairman of the committee Disy MP Harris Georgiades said the initiative was very interesting and important for Cyprus and the region and would send the message that the country could contribute to stability, security and prosperity in the area.
Other MPs supported the idea and proposed a conference in Nicosia to examine the initiative in detail.
