Cyprus-Forum.com

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In his latest report on the Cyprus issue to the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has called on the two sides in Cyprus to accelerate negotiations in order to allow the solution of the Cyprus problem within a reasonable time frame.

‘While parties have made steady progress, I see a need for an increase in the pace of talks as the sides start to address issues more holistically’ Ban said.

The Secretary-General said; ‘the parties themselves recognize that a settlement will be harder to reach as each day passes without a solution. They also acknowledge that the status quo is unacceptable, and that the process cannot be open-ended’.

Referring to the UNFICYP’s significant role in Cyprus, while the non-solution continues on the island, he called for the Security Council’s approval for the expansion of the UNFICYP mandate on the island for another 6 months.

While making reference to his meetings with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, Mehmet Ali Talat and Demetris Christofias, Mr Ban said he took the promise from all towards supporting a mutually acceptable political settlement on the island.

Noting that areas of significant divergence may now be fewer between the two parties, Ban Ki-Moon however stated that most are nonetheless fundamental and this reflects the challenge of translating the agreed objective of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality into a functional united Cyprus.

‘It is important to note that the excellent personal chemistry between leaders remains string, despite the challenges facing them, both in the negotiations and domestically’ Ban added.
He stressed the need for Talat and Christofias to show their peoples their joint engagement further with the message that the solution requires understanding and reconciliation.

Ban however also explained his disappointment over the little progress that has been made on the implementation confidence-building measures that the two leaders earlier agreed on.

On the active role of the two leaders’ special representatives in the Cyprus solution process, the UN Secretary-General said the increase in the number of meetings between Ozdil Nami and Yorgos Yakovou has been encouraging.

Adding that the international community waits to see the two parties in Cyprus achieve further progress at the talks by owning a flexible and constructive approach, Ban reiterated the UN’s continuous support towards the solution of the Cyprus problem.
Mr Ban’s Cyprus report is being taken up at the Security Council today.

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DOWNER: TWO PARTIES SHOULD FOCUS ON A SOLUTION RATHER THAN CONFIDENCE-BUILDING MEASURES

The United Nations Secretary General’s Special Adviser for Cyprus Alexander Downer has meet with Prime Minister Derviş Eroğlu.
At the end of the meeting, the Envoy underlined the need for the two sides to concentrate on the solution of the Cyprus problem, rather than confidence building measures.
He also told reporters that it was a very interesting meeting and that he explained the importance of these negotiations to the future of Cyprus.
“I explained the importance of these negotiations to the future of Cyprus and to the people of Cyprus and my desire for a solution negotiations should be successful and that is very much the expectation of the international community” he said.

“The international community has an expectation this time after many failed efforts that the negotiations will succeed” he added.
Asked to comment on the new Prime Minister’s approach, he said “I was happy with the meeting and I was comfortable with what he had to say”.
Asked a question regarding the opening of the Yeşilırmak gate, the UN Envoy said although he didn’t have anything new to say on this issue, the Greek Cypriot side had made its intentions very clear on this issue.

‘The Greek Cypriots want to see Limlidi open they have made that clear for a long time, about a year.’
Explaining that there have been some discussions with both sides on the issue, he said “the thing here is that there is disagreement on this at the moment and that is of course disappointing”.

But, the Envoy stressed that the two sides should concentrate on the main game, the solution of the Cyprus problem.
“If they concentrate on the long term objective and they keep the vision of a comprehensive settlement in mind that being a bizonal, bi communal federation with political equality, then it will be achievable. Every effort should be made to make sure that that is achieved” he said.

‘This is a great moment in history, for Cyprus’, said Downer noting that there will be good weeks and bad weeks during the negotiations process.
Asked questions regarding his visits to Ankara and Athens, the UN Envoy said the process is being supported by both Ankara and Athens.

‘Ankara and Athens and the United Nations wants to see a settlement, I think most people in Cyprus want to see a comprehensive settlement. The challenge is the challenge of leadership can the leaders show the statesmanship to achieve this? I believe they can, I believe they do have that statesmanship to achieve a settlement.