UN urges Cypriot sides to reach peace agreement
The U.N. Security Council urged Greek and Turkish Cypriots on Wednesday "to grasp the current opportunity" of renewed talks to reach a peace agreement that would reunite the divided Mediterranean island.
A resolution adopted unanimously by the U.N.'s most powerful body welcomed progress in the new talks led by Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akıncı as well as the ongoing efforts to reach "a comprehensive and durable settlement."
The Security Council stressed, "The status quo is unsustainable." It welcomed "the positive momentum" and commitment by the leaders to reach a settlement as soon as possible and encouraged the two sides to intensify negotiations on unresolved issues.
The resolution extended the mandate of the U.N. peacekeeping force on Cyprus until Jan. 31, 2016. The 1,100-strong mission, which has been deployed on the island since 1964 to deter eruptions of inter-communal fighting, includes about 860 troops and over 60 international police.
On Monday, Nikos Christodoulides, the Greek Cypriot government spokesman, said that negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus are progressing and that both sides agree on 40 points. Touching on issues regarding land and property, Christodoulides stressed that good progress is being made and all efforts will be transparent. In addition, he said Greek Cypriot President Anastasiades would inform the public and political parties when the time comes. Furthermore, Christodoulides said that efforts are being made to preserve freedom of movement and the right of establishment without stepping out of EU norms. However, he said there is a difference of opinion between the Cypriot leaders on the issue of a rotating presidency.
Peace talks were unilaterally suspended by Greek Cyprus last October after Turkey sent an exploratory ship on behalf of Turkish Cyprus to conduct seismic research off the coast of Greek Cyprus.
A major initiative collapsed in 2004 when a U.N. reunification blueprint was rejected by Greek Cypriots in a referendum. Anastasiades, who backed the 2004 initiative, said it was important that there were no winners or losers in the process.
A resolution adopted unanimously by the U.N.'s most powerful body welcomed progress in the new talks led by Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akıncı as well as the ongoing efforts to reach "a comprehensive and durable settlement."
The Security Council stressed, "The status quo is unsustainable." It welcomed "the positive momentum" and commitment by the leaders to reach a settlement as soon as possible and encouraged the two sides to intensify negotiations on unresolved issues.
The resolution extended the mandate of the U.N. peacekeeping force on Cyprus until Jan. 31, 2016. The 1,100-strong mission, which has been deployed on the island since 1964 to deter eruptions of inter-communal fighting, includes about 860 troops and over 60 international police.
On Monday, Nikos Christodoulides, the Greek Cypriot government spokesman, said that negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus are progressing and that both sides agree on 40 points. Touching on issues regarding land and property, Christodoulides stressed that good progress is being made and all efforts will be transparent. In addition, he said Greek Cypriot President Anastasiades would inform the public and political parties when the time comes. Furthermore, Christodoulides said that efforts are being made to preserve freedom of movement and the right of establishment without stepping out of EU norms. However, he said there is a difference of opinion between the Cypriot leaders on the issue of a rotating presidency.
Peace talks were unilaterally suspended by Greek Cyprus last October after Turkey sent an exploratory ship on behalf of Turkish Cyprus to conduct seismic research off the coast of Greek Cyprus.
A major initiative collapsed in 2004 when a U.N. reunification blueprint was rejected by Greek Cypriots in a referendum. Anastasiades, who backed the 2004 initiative, said it was important that there were no winners or losers in the process.