The Secretary-General met today with his Special Adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide. Mr. Eide briefed him on the latest developments in Cyprus and the immediate region.

The Secretary-General expressed concern over the tensions that have arisen in relation to hydrocarbons and over the suspension of negotiations. He stressed the need for all concerned parties to de-escalate the situation, so as to avoid any further instability in an already volatile region.

The Secretary-General underscored the need for the parties in Cyprus to return to the negotiating table without delay. He further called on countries of the region to help create a conducive environment for productive talks. He noted that, as both leaders have stated, the two communities can ill afford to perpetuate the status quo, in particular in light of the deteriorating regional context.

In view of the Special Adviser’s upcoming visits to Cyprus, as well as to Turkey and Greece, the Secretary-General expressed his hope that all concerned will work constructively with Mr. Eide to swiftly overcome the current difficulties.

Finally, the Secretary-General recalled the commitment made by the two leaders in September to accelerate the negotiating process.