UN Leader Hopes for Progress in Cyprus Negotiations
February 5, 2010
By: Benjamin Russell

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon arrived in Cyprus Sunday in an effort to guide peace talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriots toward a successful conclusion; the island nation has been divided between the two groups since 1974.

The negotiations, resumed in 2008 after years of mostly fruitless debate, are aimed at developing a power-sharing agreement and settling territorial disputes, according to the New York Times.

Secretary General Ban said he was, “under no illusions that the Cyprus problem is easy to solve” but said he was “confident that a solution is possible and within reach.”  He called for courage and flexibility from both Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot President Demetris Christofias.

Negotiations could soon get more complicated, according to the BBC, with the moderate Talat facing a close race in upcoming elections against the more hard line Dervis Eroglu; Eroglu is leading in opinion polls.

The United Nations now enforces a dividing line between the Turkish Cypriots in the north and their Greek counterparts in the south; the Greek Cypriot leadership represents the country internationally, while the Turkish Cypriot republic is recognized only by Turkey.

Any settlement would be contingent on referendums from both populations, according to the New York Times.  A UN brokered deal in 2004 was accepted by the Turkish Cypriots, but rejected by the Greek Cypriots.

Sources:

BBC News – Cyprus peace talks: UN chief urges courage

UN News Service – UN chief lands in Cyprus to usher reunification talks to final stages

NY Times – U.N. leader seeks elusive unity deal in Cyprus

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