UN Chief Urges Turkish, Greek Cypriots to Resolve Cyprus Problem

Text of report in English by Turkish news agency Anatolia

United Nations, 6 July: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides to comply with 8 July agreement and start the solution process for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

Releasing a statement to mark the anniversary of the 8 July agreement signed between the leaders of the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities, Ban reminded that the agreement provides the framework for a political process aimed at the resumption of full-fledged negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

“Although the two sides continue to be engaged through regular discussions under the auspices of the United Nations – and both leaders express their commitment to a solution leading to a bi- zonal, bi-communal federation – it is regrettable that one year has passed without any start to the agreed process,” the statement said.

“The secretary-general takes this opportunity, therefore, to urge the two leaders to build on the progress achieved to date, by showing the necessary imagination and political courage to move from talks about procedures to real engagement on substance. While emphasizing once again that the responsibility for the solution to the Cypriot problem lies with the Cypriots themselves, he also reiterates that the United Nations stands ready to continue assisting the two communities in their search for a solution to this protracted problem,” it said.

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