UN refutes reports of Downer stepping down as Cyprus envoy
The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) on Thursday afternoon refuted reports earlier in the day suggesting that Australian diplomat Alexander Downer is to step down as UN special adviser on Cyprus.
According to media outlet In Cyprus, a spokesman for UNFICYP dismissed reports that Downer is due to become Australia’s new High Commissioner to the UK, meaning that he would have to give up his post as the UN secretary general’s special envoy on Cyprus.
Downer’s meeting with Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot representatives on Wednesday did not produce a breakthrough as the two sides failed to agree on a joint declaration as efforts continue to resume reunification talks.
Downer is due to brief the UN Security Council on the talks next week.
