President of Socialist International and President of main Greek opposition PASOK party George Papandreou has met UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, with whom he discussed the Cyprus issue.

In statements after the meeting, Papandreou expressed his support for Cypriot President Demetris Christofias’ initiatives to reunite Cyprus, divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

“Regarding the Cyprus issue, I thanked the UNSG for his initiatives and of course I expressed my full support towards the efforts for a solution of the Cyprus problem, according to UN decisions and principles”, he said.

President Christofias’ presidency and his initiatives, Papandreou added, have opened new prospects for a Cyprus solution.

The President of the Socialist International noted that Cyprus’ participation in the EU as well as the EU acquis communautaire offer the framework in which a just and European solution of the Cyprus problem can be found.

Other issues they discussed were the name of FYROM and UN reforms.

Papandreou also informed UNSG about the Socialist International’s positions on the world financial crisis.