UN Announcement on Cyprus

We applaud the United Nations’ announcement today that Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have agreed to start direct negotiations on September 3 under UN auspices aimed at the reunification of Cyprus. We strongly support the stated goal of these negotiations to find a mutually-acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem that will safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. The two leaders also approved 16 confidence-building measures that will assist the process of finding a solution. The United States stands ready to support the two leaders and the UN in this process. We look forward to rapid progress over the coming months and hope that these negotiations will result in an agreement on the reunification of the island.

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