“We would not want to see any incidents, and we are obviously concerned about the ongoing tensions in that area”, the UNSG spokesperson Stephane Dujarric has said when asked to comment on the start of the exploration drilling in the Cyprus` exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by ENI – Total.

Dujarric was also asked about the Cyprus talks in Crans Montana and how does the UN Secretary-General see the continuation of the role of the international organization in the talks.

“You know, it`s clear that the positions of the various parties in Crans Montana were still… the difference is wide enough that the conference had to be closed” he said and reiterated the statement made by the Secretary-Genera that  “the UN remains willing and available and at the disposal of the parties willing to come to an agreement, and our facilitating role stands”.

He also said that Espen Barth Eide will in New York “I believe, before the end of month” to brief the Security Council. “We have to think about the next steps and the parties also.  I think it`s a time of reflection for all the parties”, he concluded.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern part. UN-backed talks that took place on June 28-July 7, in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ended inconclusively. Peace talks aim to reunite Cyprus under a federal roof.