United Nations Radio

A window of opportunity to finally resolve the Cyprus problem is clearly open.~

That's what Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says in his latest report on Cyprus to the Security Council.

The Secretary-General says it is particularly heartening that over the past two months, the two leaders have already taken decisive steps towards their shared objective of resuming negotiations aimed at a comprehensive settlement.

He says the agreement of 21 March and the joint statement of 23 May are clear indicators of the renewed political will to seek a solution to the Cyprus problem.

The Secretary-General says he is firmly committed to helping the leaders move forward to the formal talks as expeditiously and smoothly as possible and he intends to appoint a Special Adviser at the appropriate time.

Notwithstanding the improved prospects for a settlement, the Secretary-General believes that the UN peacekeeping mission, UNFICYP, continues to play a vital role on the island and recommends that the Security Council extend its mandate by six months, until 15 December.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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