Joint Press Conference by the President of the Republic, the UN Secretary-General and the T/C leader
The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias, the United Nations Secretary- General Mr Ban Ki-moon and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Mehmet Ali Talat gave yesterday a joint press conference at Nicosia airport. In his opening statement Mr Ban made the following remarks: "I am pleased to be joined by His Excellency Mr Christofias and His Excellency Mr Talat. I want to pay tribute to them both for their strong commitment and resolve. As you know, I have come to Cyprus to show my personal support to the Cypriot-led and–owned process to reunify the island. And I wanted to be here now because I recognize how important it is to continue to build momentum on what the leaders have achieved up to now. This has been a productive and constructive day. I have said that the world is watching. Today the world is seeing two leaders who are rising to the challenge. Cyprus needs commitment, vision and flexibility. That is what I have sensed here today – two leaders striving to forge a better future for the people. I am encouraged that the two leaders personally assured me of their shared commitment to a comprehensive solution as early as possible. We will need even more courage and determination in the period ahead to bring these talks to a successful conclusion. No one is under the illusion that any of this is easy. Peace negotiations never are. But the time is ripe to push ahead. I am convinced that these two leaders can achieve a mutually beneficial solution. -02.02.2010
