Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-04-08

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] UNSG - CYPRUS TALKS

[01] UNSG - CYPRUS TALKS

Ban, who has visited Washington, discussed developments in Libya, Cote dIvoire, Afghanistan and other trouble spots of the planet as well as UN reforms and finance during a meeting he had with US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, the leadership and members of the US House of Representatives and Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs.

During a meeting he had with members of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, replying to comments by Democratic Senator Robert Menendez, the UN Secretary General rejected any suggestion that there are timetables in the negotiations on the Cyprus problem.

He noted at the same time that despite the fact that the desired progress has not been achieved, the effort to find a negotiated settlement is continuing.

He also noted that the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) mandate is renewed in a specific way and takes place every six months and that references to the restructuring of the force concern the relevant mandates of the UN General Assembly and Security Council, in the framework of the broader strategy on peace operations.

Ban stressed the need for continued support from the largest contributor to the United Nations system so that the world body can carry on with its important work.

The continued engagement and leadership of the United States is essential for the United Nations to be able to succeed in the many tasks you look to us to do, Ban said, adding that the US and the UN share the same goals and objectives.

UN-led negotiations are currently underway between Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Dervis Eroglu to reunite the country, under a federal roof.

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