United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last week called on both communities of Cyprus to show the necessary “courage” to reunify the divided island following talks with political leaders in Nicosia.

“For decades, the world has heard about a Cyprus problem. Now is the time for a Cyprus solution,” Ban said after meeting with Cyprus President Dimitris Christofias and Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

The comments were made during United Nations Secretary-General’s three day visit to the island.

“I am under no illusion that the Cyprus problem is easy to solve or about the difficulties that you face,” Mr. Ban said. “At the same time, I am confident that a solution is possible and within reach.”

Ban Ki-moon had separate meetings with Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat as well as a joint meeting on Monday after which a statement was issued, noting that leaders “need even more courage and determination in the period ahead to bring the Cyprus talks to a successful conclusion.”

The UN chief said both leaders had assured him of “their shared commitment to a comprehensive solution as early as possible” and said he was “convinced that these two leaders can achieve a mutually beneficial solution.”

But he stressed that the two sides would need to show “courage and determination.”

Christofias highlighted the “need for more points of convergence in the various chapters” of the talks, noting that “certain significant chapters have not even been opened yet.”

As for Talat, he called for a “new partnership” on Cyprus to ensure that the island’s turbulent history is not repeated.

Ban said his visit to the island, the first by a UN chief in eight years, was intended to highlight the significance of the peace process but stressed that his role, and that of his special envoy on the island Alexander Downer, was one of mediator and that a settlement remained “the responsibility of Cyprus.”

“Your destiny is in your hands; you are the ones driving the process. Let’s not underestimate the benefits of a solution,” the UN chief said.