Greek And Turkish Leaders Hold ‘Fruitful’ Talks

Greek And Turkish Cypriot Leaders Hold ‘Fruitful’ Talks, NReports

New York, May 23 2008 2:00PM

The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders have held “genuine and fruitful” talks in Nicosia under United Nations auspices, their second round of formal discussions on possible reunification this year, it was announced today.

In a joint statement, the leaders – Demetris Christofias (Greek Cypriot) and Mehmet Ali Talat (Turkish Cypriot) – “reaffirmed their commitment to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, as defined by relevant Security Council resolutions.”

This partnership will comprise a Federal Government with a single international personality, along with a Turkish Cypriot Constituent State and a Greek Cypriot Constituent State, which will be of equal status.

Both sides reported that they will also consider civilian and military confidence-building efforts, as well as the possible opening of crossing points, including Limnitis/Yesilirmak.

The statement also noted that Mr. Christofias and Mr. Talat will resume talks next month.

Today’s discussions, the second formal meeting since Mr. Christofias’ election in February, were held at the residence of the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Cyprus, Tayé-Brook Zerihoun, in the UN Protected Area in Nicosia.

Mr. Zerihoun also heads the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unficyp/index.html">UNFICYP), which has been in place on the Mediterranean island since 1964 following the outbreak of intercommunal violence. It is tasked with preventing a recurrence of fighting, contributing to a return to normal conditions and the maintenance of law and order.
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