LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
The UN’s special envoy to Cyprus has said the Turkish and Greek communities there should waste no time in resolving the issue of the divided island.
Espen Barth Eide's remarks came after a Tuesday meeting with the president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Mustafa Akinci, in Lefkosa.
"Everything that’s happening now, including this meeting and yesterday’s meeting with the negotiators, is very promising. I feel that there is a real and genuine will [to resolve the crisis]. I don't think we have seen anything like this for a very, very long time," the UN envoy said.
The Norwegian diplomat said issues pertaining to oil and gas would be solved in a federal capacity in a united Cyprus, he added.
Political tensions in the long-divided island have eased since fully fledged talks resumed on May 15.
On May 28, Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders agreed a five-step plan to resolve the Cyprus issue following a meeting hosted by Eide.
These steps included opening more crossing points, interconnecting the power grids, allowing mobile phone interoperability on both sides of the island, resolving the issue of radio frequency conflicts, and forming a joint committee on gender equality on Cyprus.
Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci and Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades are due to meet again Wednesday as part of their intention to hold four more meetings until July 27.
