Eide: “I had encouraging meetings with high level officials of international financial institutions on the island”

UN Special Advisor Espen Barth Eide has stated that he had encouraging meetings with high level officials of some international institutions on the island yesterday, adding that these institutions are ready to provide active financial support after a settlement. He said that this development indicates that both leaders and people on the island have great support in reaching a settlement, stressing however, the negotiation process should be carried out by the leaders.

Indicating that no one from the UN is considering arbitration Eide noted that there was not a UN plan.

Eide  said that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is encouraging him and the leaders to redouble their efforts, and not to miss the opportunity. He said that it is possible to reach a settlement, however this will require serious leadership and hard work.

President Mustafa Akıncı and Eide had a two-hour meeting ahead of the leaders’ meeting.  Making statements to the press, Eide said that he had a comprehensive meeting with President Akıncı regarding the issues on their agenda.

Stating that enormous progress has been achieved in the negotiations process despite some difficulties, Eide said that international developments are also a factor. Eide also emphasized that the progress that has been achieved so far should not be wasted because of the crises and stalls that might be experienced.

Eide said that two years have passed since the first meeting of leaders within the negotiations process, and that existing improvements should not be wasted just because of any possible crisis. He also underlined that time should be used wisely to make further progress.