New York, 18 July 2017 - Good evening friends, I’m very happy to be with Espen and Elizabeth to say something on Cyprus. The Members of the Security Council praise the UN leadership at the Conference on Cyprus in Crans-Montana, and in particular, the personal role of the Secretary-General, his Special Adviser, Espen Barth Eide, and Special Representative Elizabeth Spehar, who worked tirelessly to try to secure a deal. The Council Members will continue to support their good offices. The Members of the Security Council reaffirmed their continued commitment to supporting the two sides in their efforts to reach a comprehensive and durable Cyprus settlement, based on relevant Security Council resolutions. The Members of the Security Council urge the sides to sustain their commitment to a settlement and maintain the gains achieved, and reflect on the best way to restart the process. The Members of the Security Council expressed their intention to renew the mandate of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus for a further six months. That is a reflection of the discussion at the Council. *China holds the Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of July 2017.