Ban commends leaders’ commitment to settle Cyprus issue

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today commended the commitment of the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci, and the Greek Cypriot leader, Nicos Anastasiades, to reach a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus issue.

Mr. Ban, who met today with Mr. Akinci in New York, welcomed the “positive atmosphere” surrounding the ongoing talks, encouraging the leaders “to stay on this path,” according to a read-out provided by the Secretary-General’s spokesperson.

The negotiations resumed on 15 May under the facilitation of the UN Special Adviser, Espen Barth Eide, who recently said that he strongly felt 2015 would be a decisive year.

The Secretary-General assured Mr. Akinci of his personal commitment and that of his Special Adviser to continue facilitating the talks.

Mr. Ban also welcomed the leaders’ agreement to work on a number of confidence-building measures that would benefit both communities, according to the read-out. Such measures, he noted, could help to increase and sustain the positive environment on the island.