Monday, November 7, 2016

Ban tells Greek-, Turkish-Cypriot leaders that an agreement is within reach

The UN Secretary-General said on Monday that Cyprus is at a critical juncture to reunite the island and encouraged both its Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leadership to work hard in order to reach an agreement.


Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told Cypriot Presiden Nikos Anastasiades and his Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to work hard during the "intense" week of talks that is set to take place under the guidance of the UN's Special Adviser of the Secretary- General on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide, focusing on the territorial question and other pending matters.

"The prospect of a solution in Cyprus is within reach," the UN leader told the press at the opening of the talks, which will be held from Nov. 7-11 at the Swiss resort Mont Pèlerin.

Both leaders have expressed their hope that this meeting will pave the way for the last phase of talks in line with their shared commitment to do their utmost in order to reach a settlement within 2016.

The UN's top official pointed out that these talks have made "significant progress" over the past 18 months of negotiations led by President Anastasiadis and Akinci.

However, Ban admitted that "at the same time, a number of sensitive and difficult issues" remain.

"I know the two leaders have reached a critical juncture in their talks. I encourage them to make the most of the (positive) moment and the momentum," said Ban.

"This attitude will be crucial as they tackle the outstanding issues across chapters, during this week in Switzerland and beyond," he added.
 EFE
7/11/16
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