CYPRUS NEGOTIATIONS

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with the political leaders of Southern and Northern Cyprus. He arrived on the island on 31 January. On Monday (1 February) Ban first met separately with President of Northern Cyprus Mehmet Ali Talat and President of Southern Cyprus Dimitris Christofias. Later on, all three statesmen attended a joint meeting.

Ban was also slated to meet Taye-Brook Zerihoun, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Cyprus to discuss the intensified negotiations together with both political leaders. In a joint press conference, Ban praised both leaders for the significant progress made on reunifying Cyprus.

Ban also met Alexander Downer, Special Advisor to the Secretary-General on Cyprus.

UN Chief Ban's visit also included a meeting with representatives of non-governmental organizations and diplomats during a reception held in the Ledra Palace Hotel located in the buffer zone between the north and south.

The Secretary-General left the island this morning.

"Your fate lies in your own hands"

In the press conference, Ban expressed his appreciation of the negotiations for a "United Cyprus" lead by both leaders throughout the last 16 months. "I am here to encourage their approach to find a successful solution. A mutually beneficial solution needs courage, flexibility, a vision and the spirit of reconciliation", Ban said.

Addressing the people on the island, Ban told them, "Your fate lies in your own hands". (TK/VK)