ON ANNIVERSARY OF CYPRUS AGREEMENT, SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES LEADERS TO SHOW

IMAGINATION, POLITICAL COURAGE IN BUILDING UPON PROGRESS MADE TO DATE

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

This Sunday, 8 July, marks the anniversary of the agreement signed between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, which 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 bizonal, bicommunal federation -- it is regrettable that one year has passed without any start to the agreed process.

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.

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For information media • not an official record