Alexander Downer, the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser in Cyprus, whose term ends towards the end of April, has said the process for the solution of the Cyprus problem was in good shape and that there was positive momentum, and pointed out that he would be submitting an end of assignment report to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon before his term expired.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Downer said the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus have demonstrated commitment and courage, and that there have been important achievements in the past five years.

He referred to the joint declaration that was signed on February 11, which marked the resumption of talks for a Cyprus settlement, noting that the process is in good shape and there is positive momentum.

The UN official expressed hope that this round of talks would eventually lead to the reunification of Cyprus as a bizonal bicommunal federation, and pointed out that the leaders could achieve this and had the public urging them on.

Downer said this was probably his last visit before his term ended in late April, noting that his time in Cyprus was memorable and intense.

Furthermore, he said he would be submitting an end of assignment report to the UN Secretary General.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-backed talks resumed in February this year, following an agreed joint declaration between the leaders of the two communities, namely President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu