Colin Stewart who replaced Elizabeth Spehar as the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative in Cyprus gave an end of the year reception on Tuesday night.
President Ersin Tatar and the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades also attended the event held at the Ledra Palace Hotel.
The two leaders met for the first time since their tripartite meeting with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in New York on the 27th of September.
Delivering a short speech at the reception, Stewart said the Ledra Palace Hotel which is a historic venue had a symbolic meaning in terms of showing the costs of conflicts.
Reminding that the two leaders came together on the island almost after almost a year, he said he was honoured with their presence at the event.
Stressing that the UN Secretary General attached importance to the Cyprus issue, he referred to the efforts of the UN Chief on the issue in Geneva and New York.
Stating that that the UNSG will continue to support both leaders in finding a mutually accepted way forward, Stewart said he will also do his best to contribute to these efforts.
Stating that the successes achieved this year was celebrated at the reception, he praised the work of various technical committees.
Referring to the success achieved by the technical committee on health in the reopening of the check points and harmonization of the Covid 19 protocols, Stewart noted that the technical committee on education has restarted the peace education program.
Reminding that the Cultural Heritage Committee won the Europa Nostra Award, he stressed that these achievements were important adding that the technical committee on communications agreed on expanding the use of 5G on the island.
Thanking everyone who worked at the technical committees, he also thanked the two leaders for the support they provided to the work of the technical committees.
“We count on you to continue to push your people to solve these little problems that really affect the everyday lives of Cypriots,” Stewart said addressing the two leaders.
He also reiterated that this was not a formal occasion but rather “an informal opportunity to wish everyone a very happy new year and take stock of some of the achievements that we have had,” adding that “I look forward to more progress in the coming year.”