Cyprus Update: United Nations denies inviting TRNC leader Akinci to a dinner in Turkey

The United Nations has absorbed itself from any blame over the diplomatic row between Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish-Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci over the latter's invitation to an official dinner in Turkey.

In a statement by the UN Humanitarian Conference Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq, it said the dinner was organized by the Turkish government.

“This was not an arrangement done by the United Nations. As far as we are aware the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı was not a participant at the World Humanitarian Summit. He, however, attended a dinner upon invitation from the President of Turkey who hosted that event. The Secretary General was also there at that event as a guest, but like I said, the arrangement was made by the government of Turkey. That was not an event arrangement by the United Nations,” said Haq.

Recall that Cyprus president, Nicos Anastasiades had on Tuesday cancelled his scheduled meeting with Akinci in Cyprus on Friday, May 27th after what he termed unacceptable behavior, in which the Turkish-Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci was invited to an official dinner organized by the UN Humanitarian Conference held in Turkey on Monday.