Security Council

5869^th Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL WARMLY WELCOMES 21 MARCH AGREEMENT REACHED

BY GREEK CYPRIOT, TURKISH CYPRIOT LEADERS

 

Presidential Statement Commends Political Leadership Shown,

Expresses Hope Preparatory Process for Negotiations Builds Trust, Momentum

The United Nations Security Council this afternoon welcomed the 21 March agreement between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders and commended them for the political leadership shown to tackle issues that had obstructed progress to the reunification of Cyprus.

In a statement read out by its President, Dumisani S. Kumalo of South Africa, the Council said it was encouraged by the launch of the working groups and the technical committees that would prepare the ground for beginning fully fledged negotiations, in a spirit of good faith, on a comprehensive, durable settlement under the auspices of the Secretary-General’s good offices mission.  The Council looked forward to the results of that preparatory process within the three-month timeline agreed to by the two leaders, which it hoped would build trust, momentum and a sense of common interest in the search for a just, lasting solution.

Further to that text, the Council welcomed the opening of the Ledra Street crossing -- an important signal that both sides sought to improve the lives of all Cypriots -- and to the furthering of such confidence-building measures.

The Council also reaffirmed its commitment to the reunification of Cyprus based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation and political equality, as set out in relevant Council resolutions, and its willingness to support the Secretary-General’s efforts to that end.  Further, it welcomed the Secretary-General’s readiness to assist the parties in Cyprus and the prospect of appointing, after the completion of a preparatory period and based on progress, a special adviser to facilitate movement towards a comprehensive settlement.

The Council also welcomed the appointment of Tayé-Brook Zerihoun as the Secretary-General’s new Special Representative to Cyprus and expressed its appreciation for the work of his predecessor, Michael Møller.

The meeting convened at 5:40 p.m. and adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of president statement S/PRST/2008/9 reads as follows:

“The Security Council warmly welcomes the agreement reached on 21 March 2008 by the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders and commends them for the political leadership they have shown.

“The Security Council is encouraged by the launch of the Working Groups and the Technical Committees that will prepare the ground for the start of fully fledged negotiations, in a spirit of good faith, on a comprehensive and durable settlement under the auspices of the Secretary-General’s Good Offices Mission.  The Security Council looks forward to the results of this preparatory process within the three-month timeline agreed by the two leaders, which it is hoped will build trust, momentum and a sense of common interest in the search for a just and lasting solution.

“The Security Council further welcomes the opening of the Ledra Street crossing, as an indication of political will to tackle issues that have obstructed progress, and an important signal that both sides seek to improve the lives of all Cypriots.  The Security Council looks forward to further such confidence-building measures.

“The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the reunification of Cyprus based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation and political equality, as set out in the relevant Security Council resolutions, and its willingness to support the efforts of the Secretary-General to this end.  In this context, the Security Council welcomes the readiness of the Secretary-General to assist the parties in Cyprus, and further welcomes the prospect of the appointment, after the completion of the preparatory period and based on progress, of a Special Adviser to facilitate movement towards a comprehensive settlement.

“The Security Council welcomes the appointment of Tayé-Brook Zerihoun as the Secretary-General’s new Special Representative to Cyprus, and expresses its appreciation for the work of the previous Special Representative, Michael Møller.”

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For information media • not an official record