Good afternoon – I just had a good meeting with the Greek Cypriot leader, H.E. Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, the Turkish Cypriot leader, H.E. Mr. Mustafa Akıncı and my Special Adviser, Mr. Espen Barth Eide.

This was my first meeting with both leaders together. It was a very good opportunity for me to hear directly from them about their efforts since they resumed negotiations in May 2015.

The leaders and I had a very comprehensive discussion on the current state-of-play in the Cyprus talks.

I want to commend them for their efforts and leadership. Significant progress has been made in this leader-led process over the past eight months, demonstrating that with political will, it is possible to reach an understanding on all issues.

At the same time, it is also clear that a number of sensitive and difficult issues still remain.

I encouraged the leaders to capitalize on the current positive momentum. It will be crucial as they move forward to tackle outstanding issues across the different chapters.

I encouraged Mr. Akıncı and Mr. Anastasiades to continue working tirelessly towards finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue as soon as possible, for the benefit of all Cypriots.

I also call on all interested parties to do their utmost to facilitate and support the leaders in their quest for overcoming the division of Cyprus.

Thank you.

END.