Remarks by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at inauguration ceremony for the Ledra-Lokmaci Street stabilization work

Remarks by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at inauguration ceremony for the Ledra-Lokmaci Street stabilization work, Nicosia, Cyprus, 1 February 2010
 
It’s a great honour for me as Secretary-General of the United Nations to be here crossing almost two years after it was opened by the two leaders in April 2008.  I welcome the second phase of the Ledra Street/Lokmaci crossing stabilization work. I am pleased after a long interval the work on the façade of the buildings can continue. I look forward to the day when the whole area will be opened and restored so that inhabitants of Nicosia can again enjoy this area as a busy centre of daily life. This crossing has become the symbol of the two leaders to heal divisions and to work together towards a common future.
 
My personal reflection as a citizen of Korea, I am coming from a country where it is still divided between the south and north, I have seen for myself the very sad reality, the emptiness and destructions and such very painful feelings I share with the people of Cyprus. 
 
I sincerely hope that the current Cypriot-led talks will bear a mutually acceptable solution as soon as possible. I am convinced that though it may be very difficult the solution is possible. It is within reach and I urge the leaders of the two communities to redouble their efforts, so that the people of Cyprus can enjoy genuinely free and democratic and prosperous life.
 
I am here to show my solidarity, my support to these ongoing talks led by the Cypriots and this is a Cypriot-led, Cypriot owned. The United Nations will continue to support your efforts.
 
Taking this opportunity I would like to thank the bicommunal initiative of the Nicosia master plan for preparing and executing this project. I would also like to particularly thank the advisers of the two leaders Mr. Nami and Mr. Iacovou, the heads of the two municipalities Mrs. Eleni Mavrou and Mr. Cemal Bulutoglulari the UNDP partnership for Future Programme for implementing and coordinating this programme and last but not least the European Union represented this morning by Mr. Leopold Maurer, the representative of President Barroso of the European Commission for funding this project

Again thank you very much and I wish you all the best for reunifying the country and a reunified Cyprus.

Thank you very much.