Cyprus reunification talks begin in Switzerland

By Fatih Erel

GENEVA (AA) - Talks over the reunification of Cyprus began in Mont-Pelerin in Switzerland Monday, with a push from the UN chief to resolve all issues and a special focus on the issue of territory.

Speaking in a press conference at the beginning of the talks, the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, said the negotiations aiming to end the partition of the disputed island were now at "a critical juncture”.

The talks were being held under the auspices of the Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide.

Ban opened the talks by meeting the Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci, Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and Eide.

The talks "will concentrate on the chapter of territory as well as all other outstanding issues interdependently," the UN chief said.

"The two leaders have expressed their hope that this meeting will pave the way for the last phase of the talks in line with their shared commitment to do their utmost in order to reach a settlement within 2016," he said.

"A number of sensitive and difficult issues still remain. I know the two leaders are here with a strong commitment and determination to work towards solving all these issues.

"The two leaders have reached a critical juncture in their talks. I encourage them to make the most of the moment and the momentum. It will be crucial as they tackle the outstanding issues across chapters, during this week in Switzerland and beyond."

The UN chief highlighted the fact that a solution was within reach.

"I commend the leaders for their vision, courage and leadership for advancing their talks further than ever before. The prospect of a solution in Cyprus is within their reach. Expectations in both communities are high.

"Cyprus offers tremendous hope to people around the world that long-standing conflicts can be resolved peacefully through negotiations," Ban said.

He also called on the guarantor powers to back the process.

"I am here to assure the two leaders of my full support and the commitment of the United Nations to assist them in whatever way to reach their shared goal, while respecting that the future of Cyprus will be determined by Cypriots, for all Cypriots.

"I call on all interested parties -- especially the guarantor powers Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom -- as well as the wider international community, to support the leaders in their efforts to finally overcome the division of their island," he added.

Reunification talks between the Greek and Turkish communities on the island resumed in May 2015 and were expected to be resolved by the end of this year with the formation of a federal administration.

The eastern Mediterranean island was divided into a Turkish Cypriot state in the north and a Greek Cypriot administration in the south after a 1974 military coup on the island was followed by the intervention of Turkey as a guarantor power.