Ban hopes Eroglu will follow same ‘constructive path’ as Talat

THE CYPRUS talks must resume within the established framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, UN Secretary General Ban Ki– moon has stressed in his latest report on his good offices mission in Cyprus.
The report, submitted yesterday to the UN Security Council, covers developments from 25 November 2009 to 30 April 2010.
“Considerable progress was made in the United Nations-sponsored peace talks in Cyprus during the reporting period. The peace talks, in particular the intensive rounds of early 2010, have generated increasing international focus on reaching a lasting solution in Cyprus. There is now a unique opportunity to make a decisive push forward on the talks”, Ban notes.
The UN chief noted that former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat made an important contribution to advancing a solution between the two sides, adding: “I look forward to Mr. Eroglu continuing on that constructive path”.
Following the change of leadership in the Turkish Cypriot community, the international community has encouraged the continuation of the negotiations in a positive spirit and the pursuit of a settlement based on United Nations parameters set out in the relevant Security Council resolutions, he noted.
Ban said his Special Adviser for Cyprus Alexander Downer will continue to work with both sides to ensure that the talks continue in a ‘productive’ and ‘expeditious’ way, and build on the convergences achieved since the fully fledged negotiations began on 3 September 2008.
“A solution is well within reach,” the UN chief noted, adding that the international community expects the peace process to succeed.
“Greece and Turkey continue to demonstrate their commitment and both their leaders have expressed a strong desire for a negotiated and lasting comprehensive settlement”, he said.
The report on UNFICYP’s mandate will be submitted to the UN Security Council next week.  Reunification talks are set to resume on May 26.