Ban Ki-moon says courage needed for a Cyprus settlement

UN chief Ban Ki-moon said in Cyprus yesterday that courage was required from the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders if the island was to be unified once more after long decades of division.

He spoke after arriving on a mission aimed at trying to inject new life into flagging talks to reunify the eastern Mediterranean island.

"For decades the world has heard about a Cyprus problem. Now is the time for a Cyprus solution," Ban said in a written statement after a joint meeting with President Demetris Christofias, a Greek Cypriot, and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

"I wanted to be here now because I recognise how important it is to continue to build momentum on what the leaders have achieved up to now," he said, adding that the world was watching and the two leaders were rising to the challenge.

"I am encouraged that the two leaders personally assured me of their shared commitment to a comprehensive solution as early as possible. I am convinced that these two leaders can achieve a mutually beneficial solution," he said.

However, he said they will need even more "courage and determination." Ban earlier toured the Nicosia part of the United Nations-patrolled buffer zone that slices across the whole island.

Hundreds of Turkish Cypriot demonstrators urged him to press for a solution.

"Solution Now!" and "Mr Ban, encourage the leaders to take action for a solution," read placards as he entered Turkish-held northern Nicosia through a pedestrian crossing in the world's last divided capital to meet Talat.

"Peace on Cyprus cannot be blocked... Peace, democracy, federation," they chanted as Ban walked over to greet the crowd.