UN chief calls for resumption of Cyprus talks

NEW YORK

UN chief Ban Ki-moon has expressed concern over the tensions between the negotiating sides on the Mediterranean island. REUTERS Photo

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for a quick resumption of Cyprus peace talks that were suspended during a dispute over rights to offshore oil and gas.

Ban made the appeal after meeting with U.N. envoy Espen Barth Eide who is brokering talks between Cypriot Greek and Turkish leaders on the divided island.

The U.N. chief “expressed concern over the tensions that have arisen in relation to hydrocarbons and over the suspension of negotiations” and said the sides must “return to the negotiating table without delay,” a U.N. statement said.

Greek Cyprus suspended its participation in the U.N.-led negotiations on Oct. 7, to protest moves by Turkey to undermine its right to exploit gas and oil reserves.

Turkey dispatched a survey boat to an area where the Greek Cypriot government had licensed exploratory drilling for oil and gas.

Ban called on countries in the region to help advance the peace process.