UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Tayip Erdogan on Thursday, has proposed that tension is avoided in the region and disputes are settled in a peaceful manner, according to UN sources.

The two men raised the issue during a meeting in New York where they examined international problems, including the Cyprus issue and Cyprus’ exploratory drillings in its Exclusive Economic Zone.

A UNSG Spokesman said the two examined a wide aspect of regional issues, including the situation in Libya, Syria and Somalia. They also exchanged views on the Middle East Peace process, the Palmer report and the Cyprus talks.

According to sources, the fact that the UN Secretary General raised the Turkish threats towards Cyprus for its exploratory drilling (as Ban had promised Cypriot President Demetris Christofias), this infuriated the Turkish Premier who appeared intransigent.

A Turkish government official, informing journalists on the meeting, said Erdogan stressed to the UNSG that if the Greek Cypriot side stops the exploratory drilling, then Turkey will take a step back and urged Ban to ask the Greek Cypriots to stop all work.