The five-day Mont Pèlerin Summit began this morning with the participation of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Ban who arrived in Switzerland on Sunday to initiate the summit on Monday, was there for just one day.
After meeting with the two Cypriot community leaders, Ban told the press that he thanked the Swiss government for hosting the summit and for its hospitality.
The five day summit will be headed by UN Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide.
“Even though negotiations have undergone great progress, the problematic issues are still ongoing,” Ban said, “but I do believe that the leaders will surmount these issues with great commitment.”
“The solution to the Cyprus problem is tangible and the point that the leaders have come to is a point that has never been reach before. The two communities have high hopes for a solution,” said Ban. “The solution to this problem will be a great example that ‘a long-term problem can be solved for the whole world’ and will give hope.”
Finally, Ban said, “As the UN, we will continue to give great support for their common future. The future of the island of Cyprus will be determined by the Cypriots.”
Ban returned to New York at lunch time today.
During the first three days of the five-day summit, community leaders Mustafa Akıncı and Nicos Anastasiades will negotiate unresolved points on Property, EU, Economy and Administration and Power Sharing, which they have discussed in their 17-month long talks.
Then, on the fourth day, it is expected that Territory will be discussed.
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