Cyprus: top UN political official cautiously optimistic about chances of progress

The United Nations political chief told the Security Council today that he was optimistic that Cyprus could soon be reunified, but he also cautioned that the upcoming negotiations between the two communities on the Mediterranean island would not be easy.

Speaking to reporters after briefing the Council, B. Lynn Pascoe said he was looking forward to next week’s start of substantive talks among the working groups set up under the agreement signed by the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities on 21 March.

Mr. Pascoe, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, said his discussions last week with senior officials in both Athens and Ankara also left him “really optimistic” about the outlook for Cyprus and the chances of ending the long-running dispute.

“I think the entire world would be delighted to see Cyprus move forward on its negotiation,” he said. “We would like to see this settled as soon as possible.”

In response to a journalist’s question, Mr. Pascoe said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon would consider appointing a special envoy on the issue in the months ahead if the working groups make progress in the first phase.