The fact the Republic of Cyprus has an upgraded role, following its election at the UN Human Rights Council and the hosting of the MED9 Summit, on Friday, in Pafos, strengthens our effort and our argumentation in relation to the need to reach a functioning and viable Cyprus settlement, for a country that is an EU member state and which will continue to have an ever stronger role in the region, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday. After attending the WISTA International Conference, in Limassol, the President expressed satisfaction about Cyprus' election at the Human Rights Council for the first time. This development, he said, is not just strengthening our country's regional and international footprint, but is also indicative of the way the international community approaches us over the decisive issue of human rights. The election comes at a time when our role in the region, though the dispatch of humanitarian aid, and the evacuation of third country nationals is acknowledged by the inte rnational community, the President underlined, noting that it is no accident that Nicosia received the second highest number of votes from the member states. 'It is within this framework that I am welcoming this afternoon in Cyprus the President of the European Commission and tomorrow the King of Jordan and the heads of the 9 Mediterranean EU member states to discuss, certainly the developments in the region and the ways the EU may undertake particular initiatives for de-escalation as well as for strengthening the humanitarian assistance in the region,' President Christodoulides noted. He said that ahead of the new cycle, beginning in the EU, the priorities of the Commission, as well as the issues concerning the Mediterranean Sea and the Mediterranean EU member states are high in the agenda, while noting the 'positive decision' of President von der Leyen to create a portfolio concerning the Mediterranean. Moreover, the President noted that all these developments are taking place while Nicosia's efforts abo ut the need to resume settlement talks are acknowledged. He said that he is going to New York next week to meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader, in the presence of the UN Secretary-General. 'All these efforts on a regional, European and international level demonstrate precisely our effort which is at the same time our number one priority to end the occupation and reunite our country,' he added. Asked if he hopes for a positive development to come out of the tripartite meeting, the President said he was hopeful, based on his own intentions with which he will be going the meeting. 'I am going to New York precisely to have a positive result. I am neither interested in a blame game, nor in accusations, condemnations and so forth. It is our homeland that is under occupation, and we have the responsibility to do whatever is possible and I am going to New York precisely with this thoughts' in mind, he underlined. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated roun ds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively. Source: Cyprus News Agency