The time is now

President Christofias who is in New York for the UN General Assembly session has asked the UN Secretary-General, at a meeting he had with him in New York, to turn his attention to Ankara because he believes that is where the key to a solution in Cyprus lies, "so that the Turkish side or the Turkish Cypriot side will become more rational on the issues we are discussing regarding governance and other issues along the way”.

An official statement from the office of the UNSG said the Secretary-General welcomed Christofias' reaffirmation of his commitment to finding a solution and his willingness to continue to work with the United Nations, including Special Adviser of the Secretary-General, Mr. Downer. The Secretary-General further urged the expeditious implementation of confidence building measures. They also discussed collaboration between the United Nations and the Republic of Cyprus on global issues, including MDGs and climate change.

Christofias told the press afterwards: “I heard yesterday that Mr Talat has accused me of obstructionism. It is I who should be saying that but instead, I hear it from Mr Talat. I am sorry for these positions; there is no way Demetris Christofias will diverge from the basic principles concerning a solution to the Cyprus problem. I have passed this message on to Mr Talat and I pass it on one more time from the building of the United Nations" .He added that on his part he would show understanding and flexibility, but would not violate his principles of maintaining the unity of the state, economy and people.

Meanwhile, US Under Secretary of State Mr Daniel Fried said yesterday after a meeting with the Cypriot Foreign Minister Mr Markos Kyprianou that there has never been a better opportunity to resolve the Cyprus problem than now. While difficult issues did exist, he added, the leaders of the two communities respected each other and were committed to reunification. "Now's the time to do it", he said. Mr Fried said Washington welcomed the start of direct negotiations in Cyprus and encouraged both sides to find a way forward. He added: “The United States has always supported bi-zonal bi-communal federation, a reunified island. I congratulated both sides on the progress they have made, so we want to encourage more”.