[AP]
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed determination to work toward restarting negotiations on the Cyprus issue.
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the UN high-level week in New York, Guterres said: “I am not pessimistic, I am not merely optimistic, I am determined for the resumption of the talks.”
He also confirmed that he will meet with the leaders of both sides on the sidelines of the summit.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded following a coup by Athens junta-backed supporters of uniting the island with Greece. The resulting Turkish-occupied north of the island declared independence in 1983, a move recognized only by Turkey.