The UN Secretary-General expects the leaders to take advantage of the meeting in Geneva on July 7th, 2011, and the period leading up to it, to work jointly and concretely toward reaching the objective of solving Cyprus issue, Lisa Buttenheim, Special Representative of the SG has said.

Addressing the UNFICYP Summer Medal Parade Wednesday, Buttenheim said that in just over two weeks, the two Leaders will meet once again with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Geneva; the third meeting between the three in less than eight months. “The Secretary-General has stressed with both leaders the need to accelerate their progress in order to achieve a mutually acceptable and lasting settlement on Cyprus as soon as possible. He expects the leaders to take advantage of this meeting, and the period leading up to it, to work jointly and concretely toward reaching that objective”, she pointed out.

Buttenheim stressed that a comprehensive settlement will help unleash the enormous potential and capacity of this beautiful island and make it a stronger and more prosperous home for all its citizens. “There is indeed good reason to strive for the larger good, to look beyond the past, to the common and promising future that awaits all Cypriots, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike”, she noted.

UN official noted that as the two sides in Cyprus continue on their journey to a lasting settlement, they can count on the continued support and assistance of the United Nations. “Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has consistently underlined that the United Nations is here to assist and facilitate this Cypriot-owned process”, she said.

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