Secretary-General welcomes launch of Cyprus negotiations

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message on the launch of negotiations on Cyprus, as delivered by Alexander Downer, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General, in Nicosia today, 3 September:

I warmly welcome the formal launch today by the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Demetris Christofias, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat, of fully fledged negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

I commend the leaders for their seriousness of purpose, sense of compromise and commitment to seeing the peace process through to a successful conclusion.

The United Nations supports and encourages both parties as they take this historic step together, so as to reach a negotiated settlement to reunify the island for the benefit of all the people of Cyprus.

I assure the parties that as requested, the United Nations will provide unwavering support through the efforts of his Special Adviser, and his Special Representative, and all the United Nations team.

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For information media • not an official record