Ban spends second day at UN-backed Cyprus reunification talks
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 24 January 2012 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Ban spends second day at UN-backed Cyprus reunification talks, 24 January 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4f226cae2.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The talks at the Greentree Estate on Long Island between the Greek Cypriot leader Dimitris Christofias and his Turkish Cypriot counterpart, Dervis Eroglu, got off to an "intensive" start yesterday with Mr. Ban making it clear to both parties that he expects them to make progress during the current round of the process, which began in 2008.
"The Secretary-General made his expectations clear this morning that he is looking for the leaders to make decisive moves," his Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alexander Downer, told reporters last night.
"He also reminded the two leaders that they must keep the big vision of a united Cyprus in their sights," said Mr. Downer.
The focus of yesterday's deliberations was on three of the core issues in the negotiations the executive, property and citizenship. "There is clearly still ground to cover in order to make for a successful outcome for this meeting," he said.
In 2008, both sides agreed to work towards "a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, as defined by relevant Security Council resolutions." The partnership will comprise a Federal Government with a single international personality, along with a Turkish Cypriot Constituent State and a Greek Cypriot Constituent State, which will be of equal status.
