UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon shares the disappointment of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriots leaders following the failed talks in Mont Pelerin, his spokesperson said in a written statement on Wednesday.
“The Secretary General shares the disappointment of the two leaders who had hoped that the meetings in Mont Pelerin would pave the way for the final phase of the talks,” the statement said.
The statement said that that Ban is encouraging President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to do “their utmost to overcome this particular hurdle.”
Ban’s spokesperson said: “They have made significant progress across chapters over the past eighteen months, advancing their talks further than ever before. They should continue to build upon their substantial achievements.”
The UN Secretary General has also called on the leaders to continue their efforts to reach a settlement in 2016.
“The Secretary General reiterates his full support and the commitment of the United Nations to assist the two leaders in reaching their shared goal, while respecting that the future of Cyprus will be determined by Cypriots, for all Cypriots. He will be in contact with both leaders soon to discuss the next steps. He is in close contact with his Special Adviser who is currently assessing the situation,” the statement said.
CALL FOR GUARANTORS TO DO UTMOST IN PROCESS
Ban has said that all interested parties should avoid any statements and actions that would make the resumption of talks more difficult.
In a reminder to the leaders and interested parties, Ban has said that “temporary setbacks are not uncommon in peace processes as talks approach a final stage.
“The Secretary General also calls upon all interested parties, especially the guarantor powers Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom, to do their utmost to support the leaders during the coming days and weeks, which will be crucial for the negotiations and the future of Cyprus,” the statement said.
President Anastasiades will be addressing the public in a press conference on Wednesday night.
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