Press Statement on the departure of Mr. Alexander Downer from his role as the UN Special Adviser to the SG on Cyprus

At a time when negotiations for a comprehensive solution has resumed, we would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Alexander Downer, the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Adviser to Cyprus for more than five years, for all his endeavours for the settlement of the Cyprus problem.

Mr. Downer during his term of office worked to reach an agreement between the two sides with patience, understanding, impartiality and a never-ending energy; he helped for more than thirty convergence papers to emerge and contributed to the agreements between the leaders of the two sides.

His contributions to the joint declaration of 11 February 2014 which resumed the negotiations with the agreement of the two leaders are also undeniable.  Having had the privilege of working closely with Mr. Downer, we would like to express our appreciation for all his endeavours and have no doubt that he will be successful in the new challenges he will shoulder.