UN chief Ban Ki-moon stated during his opening remarks to begin the week-long Cyprus negotiations in Mont Pelerin that a solution to the issue is “very close”.
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and UN officials travelled to Switzerland where the key territorial issue will be the main topic on the table. Talks are scheduled to last until Friday.
“Significant progress has been achieved between the two leaders,” remarked Ban during his opening statement to the press.
“They are doing this with strong commitment and determination to try to solve the outstanding issues,” he added.
“We hope for this week to bring us close to the end of the process.
“The prospects for a solution in Cyprus is very close. I am here to show support and contribute so we can get closer to a solution,” outlined Ban.
“The two leaders have reached a critical juncture in their talks. I encourage them to make the most of the moment and the momentum
“It will be crucial as they tackle the outstanding issues across chapters, during this week in Switzerland and beyond,” continued Ban
“I commend the leaders for their vision, courage and leadership for advancing their talks further than ever before.
SOLUTION WITHIN REACH
Ban added: “The prospect of a solution in Cyprus is within their reach. Expectations in both communities are high.
“Cyprus offers tremendous hope to people around the world that long-standing conflicts can be resolved peacefully through negotiations.
“I urge all interested parties and the guarantors [UK, Greece, Turkey] to contribute constructively and support the leaders,” concluded Ban.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and illegally occupied its northern third.
Anastasiades and Akinci have been engaged in UN-led talks since 2015, with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.
Read more here.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
