Support for Cyprus reunification ‘encouraging’: UN adviser

UNITED NATIONS – Agence France-Presse

CİHAN photo

U.N. Security Council backing for the reunification of Cyprus is “encouraging,” though no timetable is in the cards, the United Nations Special Adviser on Cyprus said July 22.

“All [15 Council members] were very encouraging for the work of the two leaders, and recognized the efforts they are making by thinking about the big picture instead of insisting on minor details,” said Espen Barth Eide, the Norwegian adviser on Cyprus to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Eide, speaking after a closed-door council meeting, said this “new tone is recognized in New York and very much welcomed.” Long-stalled U.N.-brokered peace -- in what is seen as the best chance in years to reunify Cyprus after four decades of division -- were launched on May 15.

“There is a very good climate and real progress but a lot of work remains to be done,” Eide cautioned.

“The message from every Security Council member that we just heard is there is not time to lose, this momentum must be upheld.”   

Eide said he was “very encouraged to go back to Cyprus and have our next meeting with the two leaders on July 20 in the morning.”  

He was referring to Mustafa Akıncı, leader of the Turkish-recognized north and Greek-Cypriot Nicos Anastasiades.

Asked about the idea of a timetable, Eide said none was sought.

“We all agree, the leaders, me and my team, that we do not want a timetable. I would be very hesitant to talk about a number of months or a date.”