Opening Statement by the Secretary-General of the United Nations at Joint Press Conference with Cyprus Leaders

Opening Statement by the Secretary-General of the United Nations at Joint Press Conference with Cyprus Leaders
UN Protected Area, Nicosia, Cyprus
1 February 2010

 
Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen of the media.

I am pleased to be joined by His Excellency Mr. Christofias and His Excellency Mr. Talat.

I want to pay tribute to them both for their strong commitment and resolve.

As you know, I have come to Cyprus to show my personal support to the Cypriot-led and –owned process to reunify the island. And I wanted to be here now because I recognize how important it is to continue to build momentum on what the leaders have achieved up to now.

This has been a productive and constructive day. I have said that the world is watching. Today the world is seeing two leaders who are rising to the challenge.

Cyprus needs commitment, vision, and flexibility. That is what I have sensed here today – two leaders striving to forge a better future for the people.

I am encouraged that the two leaders personally assured me of their shared commitment to a comprehensive solution as early as possible.

We will need even more courage and determination in the period ahead to bring these talks to a successful conclusion.

No one is under the illusion that any of this is easy. Peace negotiations never are. But the time is ripe to push ahead. I am convinced that these two leaders can achieve a mutually beneficial solution.

For decades, the world has heard about the Cyprus problem. Now is the time for the Cyprus solution.

The United Nations will continue to provide all the support we can.  But this is a process that is by the people of Cyprus, and for the people of Cyprus.

I carry the world’s support for Cyprus in my heart. But the future of Cyprus is in your hands.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

After intensive negotiations, the two leaders have asked me to read the following statement on their behalf:  (Joint statement found here)

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