SECRETARY-GENERAL WARMLY WELCOMES AGREEMENT BY GREEK, TURKISH CYPRIOT LEADERS

TO LAUNCH FULL-FLEDGED NEGOTIATIONS ON 3 SEPTEMBER

 

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

The Secretary-General warmly welcomes the agreement today by the Greek Cypriot leader, Demetris Christofias, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, to launch full-fledged negotiations on 3 September 2008 aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.  The Secretary-General commends the leaders for the progress made so far and takes this occasion to reiterate the full support of the United Nations for their efforts towards a mutually acceptable solution.  During his visit to the island next week, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alexander Downer, will discuss with the leaders how the United Nations can best assist the process.

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For information media • not an official record