Sunday’s much anticipated meeting between UN Secretary-General (UNSG), Ban Ki-moon, President Anastasiades and President Akinci lasted longer than the time allotted for the session.
Ban issued a brief press statement saying that finding a solution within the year was a goal of the intensified negotiations
He also stressed that “the period ahead is crucial for Cyprus”, pointing out that “time is of the essence”.
Ban commended the two leaders “for their remarkable efforts to date, and for the progress achieved.”
“I very much welcome their joint commitment to intensify efforts even further, in line with their stated desire to achieve a comprehensive settlement in 2016”, said the UNSG.
He added that the two leaders had asked him “to step up” his personal involvement in the process.
“I stand ready to support them in whatever they may require, including on the international dimensions of the issue”, Ban noted.
Cyprus Weekly