Of the nine people who have served as Secretary-General in the history of the United Nations, seven, U Thant, Waldheim, De Cuéllar, Boutros-Ghali, Annan, Ban Ki-moon and Guterres, have engaged with the Cyprus problem.
Indeed, despite the many international crises facing humanity, the current Secretary-General, Mr Guterres, has devoted a great deal of time to seeking a solution to our national problem.
The first time he personally engaged with the Cyprus problem was just 12 days after taking office as UN Secretary-General. He assumed the post on 1 January 2017, and on 12 January had already convened an international conference on Cyprus in Geneva.
Even now, as his second term at the helm of the UN nears its end, in late 2026, his keen interest continues, and he will come to Cyprus on 27 July, giving practical expression to his intent to see a solution to the Cyprus problem found.
The very least Cypriot society owes him is a heartfelt thank you for the personal interest he has shown in achieving a viable, functional agreement that safeguards our homeland's future, prospects and security.
We ought to treat all international actors, envoys and figures who take on roles and missions concerning the Cyprus problem with that same warm spirit of recognition, not as people coming to impose choices and solutions upon us.
What Greek Cypriots are asking for is freedom from occupation. Liberation from anachronistic guarantees and unilateral rights of intervention. The withdrawal of occupying troops and the return of territory. A sensible settlement of the property issue. A sovereign state, with a functional model of governance, with political equality, within the great European family, without disrupting the daily life of citizens, Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot alike, and in which security is firmly established. With a new system of security and guarantees for the solution that instils confidence, in both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, in a safe, shared future in a united common homeland, a full member of the European Union.
With this on our agenda, then, we welcome to Cyprus the UN Secretary-General, Mr Guterres, and his associates. This is a very significant moment, and we hope his name will come to be linked with the long-desired solution for our homeland.
PS1. Among the many pretexts we seek every day for rallies and protests, mostly just and understandable, here we have a first-rate opportunity for an event of support and solidarity with an initiative potentially decisive for the Cyprus problem…
PS2. The hour of truth has arrived. The hour of prospects and a shared vision.
*Former president of the Democratic Rally (DISY)
