Un: june cyprus talks ‘pivotal’

Cyprus reunification talks need to move along at a faster pace, argues one UN official…

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged the two Cypriot leaders to increase the pace at the working groups and technical committees. The 13 groups and committees are trying to lay the groundwork for a resumption of Cyprus talks within the next two months, once the leaders agree a date when they meet later this month.

In his latest report on the mandate of UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Ban described the planned meeting between the leaders in the second half of this month as ‘pivotal’.

No date was fixed for the new meeting when President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat last met on May 23. Talat says he is ready to begin fully-fledged talks on June 21, but Christofias wants to see more progress at the groups and committees before setting a date for negotiations.

Compromises required

Ban said in his report: “In light of further momentum created by the leaders on May 23, the working groups and the technical committees may wish to increase the pace of their meetings, not least because their results will be examined by the leaders’ representatives in early June.

“In this regard, the planned meeting between the leaders in the second half of June may prove to be pivotal. I am firmly committed to helping them move forward to the formal talks as expeditiously and smoothly as possible, and intend to appoint a Special Adviser at the appropriate time”.

Ban added: “The coming period will not be easy and may require major compromises. It is therefore important for all parties to foster an environment that is conducive to moving the process forward. A flourishing and engaged civil society and an informed citizenry are important elements in this endeavour,” Ban added.

Ban’s report recommended that the Security Council extend the mandate of UNFICYP by a further period of six months, until December 15