UN Secretary General expected in Cyprus on January 31

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has decided to visit Cyprus from January 31 to February 2 for discussions with the leaders of the two communities and his Special Adviser Alexander Downer, focusing on the state of progress in the talks for a Cyprus settlement.

In a statement, the UN chief's Spokesperson said that Ban Ki Moon spoke on Wednesday with Downer ''regarding the intensive talks currently underway between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders.''

''The UN is committed to help the leaders find a solution. The Secretary General would like to personally show his support for their efforts, and has decided in that regard to travel to Cyprus, from 31 January to 2 February. While in Cyprus, he will hold discussions with the leaders as well as with his Special Adviser, focusing on the state of progress in the talks, and on how best the UN can continue to assist their efforts,'' according to the statement.

The Spokesperson added that ''the international community has tremendous goodwill for Cyprus and a strong interest in seeing the Cypriots arrive at a solution.''

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in UN-led direct negotiations since September 2008, with an aim to reunify the island. A first round of intensive negotiations was held in early January and the second round began on Monday.