Cyprus: UN-Backed Power-Sharing Talks Move Forward

Cyprus: UN-Backed Power-Sharing Talks Move Forward, Says Envoy

New York, Oct 13 2008 4:10PM

The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders made progress today in talks focusing on the issue of the presidency and vice-presidency in a new power-sharing government, the top United Nations envoy to Cyprus told journalists.

Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat resumed discussions in Nicosia on the subject of the executive branch of the joint government as part of their full-fledged negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement to the long-running problem on the Mediterranean island.

On Thursday, the representatives of the two parties will meet with experts under the sponsorship of the UN for further discussions on the issue before the leaders meet again a week on Wednesday to continue negotiations on the presidency and vice-presidency.

“There is a growing understanding between the tow sides of their positions, and as time goes on, of course, the gaps are going to narrow,” Alexander Downer, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus, told the press in the UN-protected area of Nicosia.

“It’s going to take a long time and it’s going to be a difficult negotiation. But what you have here is a political will, and the political will is very good,” he added.

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