UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council welcomed on Thursday the launch of full-fledged negotiations between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities that are aimed at the reunification of the island.

    In a presidential statement, the 15-member body commended Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat for "the progress made since their first meeting on March 21."

    "The Security Council calls on both sides to continue to work together in a constructive and positive manner in order to reach a comprehensive and durable settlement," said the statement.

    "The Security Council looks forward to progress in the negotiations and reiterates its readiness to support the process," it added.

    The council also welcomed UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's recent appointment of former Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer as his special adviser on Cyprus.

    In a message delivered by Downer Wednesday, Ban also welcomed the launch of full-fledged negotiations between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

    Ban commended the two leaders "for their seriousness of purpose, sense of compromise and commitment to seeing the peace process through to a successful conclusion."

    The secretary-general stressed that "the United Nations supports and encourages both parties as they take this historic step together, so as to reach a negotiated settlement to reunify the island for the benefit of all the people of Cyprus."