UN chief says Cyprus peace talks meet 'temporary setback'
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appealed to Cyprus' rival Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders not to let a 'historic opportunity' to reunify the ethnically divided island slip away, Ban's spokesman said Wednesday, after pivotal talks at a Swiss resort hit an impasse.
Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Ban shares the leaders' disappointment over the deadlocked talks, and "urges the leaders to continue their efforts in line with their shared commitment to do their utmost in order to reach a settlement in 2016. "Especially in a region and in a world marked by increasing tension, they must not let this historic opportunity slip," Dujarric added.
He said Ban has reiterated his full support to the peace talks and the UN commitment to assist Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci in reaching their shared goal. He said the UN chief will soon be in touch with both leaders to discuss the next steps.
