Security Council welcomes launch of negotiations

 

between greek-cypriot, turkish-cypriot leaders

 

The Security Council today warmly welcomed the launch of fully-fledged negotiations between the leaders of both the Greek and Turkish communities of Cyprus aimed at the island’s reunification under the good offices mission of the Secretary-General.

In a presidential statement read out by Michel Kafando of Burkina Faso, its President for September, the Council commended the two leaders for the progress made since their first meeting on 21 March, and expressed support for their common approach.

The Council called on both sides to continue to work together in a constructive and positive manner in order to reach a comprehensive and durable settlement, approved in separate and simultaneous referenda.

In that connection, the Council looked forward to progress in the negotiations and reiterated its readiness to support the process.  It also welcomed the appointment of Alexander Downer as the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser and looked forward to his briefing.

The meeting began at 3:20 p.m. and ended at 3:25 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2008/34 reads as follows:

“The Security Council warmly welcomes the launch of fully-fledged negotiations between the two leaders, under the good offices mission of the Secretary-General, aimed at the reunification of Cyprus.

“The Security Council commends the two leaders for the progress made since their first meeting on 21 March and supports their common approach.  The Security Council calls on both sides to continue to work together in a constructive and positive manner in order to reach a comprehensive and durable settlement approved in separate and simultaneous referenda.  The Security Council looks forward to progress in the negotiations and reiterates its readiness to support the process.

“The Security Council welcomes the appointment of Alexander Downer as the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser and looks forward to being briefed on the progress of the good offices process.”

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For information media • not an official record