Conclusion of negotiations in Cyprus hoped by year’s end
Alexander Downer, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus, is visiting Finland on 7–8 June. In his meeting with Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, Downer briefed the foreign minister about the current situation regarding negotiations.
Special Adviser Downer said that the UN wishes for the negotiations between the parties to proceed in a constructive spirit. “We hope that by the end of the year, it will be possible for the negotiations to be concluded,” Downer stressed.
“Finland strongly supports the UN-led negotiation process and considers it important that the question of Cyprus is resolved quickly. The parties themselves, however, are responsible for progress. I support Downer’s objectives in setting a deadline for the negotiation,” Foreign Minister Stubb said. A solution would benefit not only the parties themselves but also the activities of the EU and other international organizations. According to Stubb, Finland is prepared to assist if necessary.
Alexander Downer of Australia was named the UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus in July 2008. Negotiations on reunification of the island of Cyprus began again in September 2008. Alexander Downer was formerly Foreign Minister of Australia, a position he held from 1996 to 2007.
During his visit, Special Adviser Downer also met with President Martti Ahtisaari and Erkki Tuomioja, Chairman of the Grand Committee of the Finnish Parliament.