Press release following the UN Security Council consultations on Cyprus August 29, 2006

Following the United Nations Security Council consultations today, Erkki Tuomioja, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, expresses the full support of the Finnish Presidency of the European Union to the UN efforts to further the reunification process in Cyprus.

"We welcome the results of the July 8 meeting as an encouraging step forward," says Tuomioja. "It is important that the positive momentum created by the July 8 agreement will be maintained to enable its full implementation without further delay."

The Finnish Presidency wants to ensure the full support of the European Union for the Secretary-General's continued efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

Further information: Director Pekka Orpana, tel. +358 9 1605 5327, Second Secretary Johanna Birkstedt, tel. +358 9-1605 6098, Unit for Central and South-Eastern Europe