UN: Window of Opp. to finally resolve Cyprus problem clearly open

PanARMENIAN.Net

UN: window of opportunity for Cypriots to finally
resolve Cyprus problem clearly open
07.06.2008 15:45 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ United Nations Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon called on Cypriots to build on the momentum
and make great strides towards reunification.

-A window of opportunity for Cypriots to finally
resolve the Cyprus problem is clearly open,- Mr. Ban
wrote in his latest report to the Security Council on
the work of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus
(UNFICYP).

He said that it is -particularly heartening- that the
leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot
communities have taken important steps towards
resuming negotiations.

-What is especially encouraging is that the leaders
reconfirmed, at their meeting on 23 May, the broad
outline of a solution, based on a bizonal, bicommunal
federation with political equality, as defined by the
Security Council in its relevant resolutions.-

That partnership, announced by the leaders Demetris
Christofias (Greek Cypriot) and Mehmet Ali Talat
(Turkish Cypriot) after a UN-backed meeting, is to
comprise a Federal Government with a single
international personality, along with a Turkish
Cypriot Constituent State and a Greek Cypriot
Constituent State, which will be of equal status.

Such steps clearly indicate -the renewed political
will to seek a solution to the Cyprus problem,- the
Secretary-General wrote, commending the efforts of Mr.
Christofias and Mr. Talat.

The recent opening of the long-closed crossing at
Ledra Street between the two communities in Nicosia
illustrates what can be achieved with the political
will needed to address problems, he added.

Mr. Ban voiced his firm support for the talks between
the two leaders later this month, and said he will
appoint a Special Adviser.

But he warned that -the coming period will not be easy
and may require major compromises,- stressing the
importance of fostering an environment favorable to
pressing ahead towards a settlement.

In the absence of a comprehensive settlement, the
Secretary-General recommended the extension of
UNFICYP’s mandate for an additional six months, in
spite of recent positive steps.

The UN mission has been in place since 1964 following
the outbreak of inter-communal violence, entrusted
with preventing a recurrence of fighting and
contributing to a return to normal conditions and the
maintenance of law and order, the UN News Center
reports.