A solution for the decades-old Cyprus problem may be within reach if parties make necessary compromises for the reunification of the divided island, said UN Secretary-General's Special Representative Taye-Brook Zerihoun on Thursday.
Zerihoun, also the head of UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus, said remarkable progress in the peace process had been made in the last few months, which "has engendered much optimism and goodwill in Cyprus and around the world."
At a medal parade held in the UN-controlled buffer zone, Zerihoun quoted Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as saying that "a window of opportunity for Cypriots to finally resolve the Cyprus problem is clearly open" with the latest efforts by the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders.
However, he emphasized that compromises would have to be made.
"Compromises are indeed always the basis on which durable agreements are constructed," he said.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 when Turkey militarily intervened and occupied the north of the island following a coup by a group of Greek officers.
In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot authorities declared breakaway and set up the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which is only recognized by Turkey.
After years of stalemate, the leaders of the two communities agreed in March to prepare for new rounds of negotiations for a united Cyprus.
But differences still remain on some key issues such as power sharing, property and foreign troops on the island.
"A comprehensive settlement is not a foregone conclusion. Much hard work remains to be done," said Zerihoun, who promised that the United Nations would always accompany the peace process closely and push it to a successful conclusion.
Source:Xinhua
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