UN SG encourages Eroglu to grasp opportunity for a solution in Cyprus

Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon has encouraged the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu “to grasp the current political window of opportunity to reach a settlement”.

The UN Secretary General held a meeting on Monday in New York, with the Turkish Cypriot leader, during which they discussed the Cyprus problem.

Speaking after the meeting, a UN Spokesman has said that Ban expressed hope that “the two leaders would make serious advances in the coming months, understanding that this would require compromises on both sides”.

“Mr. Eroglu expressed his commitment to finding a settlement, noting that he believed that it could be achieved by late 2010 with goodwill, a spirit of give and take, and reciprocal political will and compromise”, he concluded.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Peace talks are currently underway between President Demetris Christofias and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Dervis Eroglu, under UN auspices.