Cyprus: UN prepares for direct talks between leaders

The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has started preparations for direct talks between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders.

The face-to-face meeting could take place during the second half of this month, the UN mission reported today. The meeting’s agenda will be determined by the two sides, although the opening of Nicosia’s Ledra Street crossing is expected to be prominent in discussions.

UNFICYP said it was ready to move quickly to help open that crossing if the leaders take the decision to do so.

In the past week the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Cyprus, Michael Møller, has met individually with Dimitris Christofias, the Greek Cypriot leader, and with Mehmet Ali Talat, the Turkish Cypriot leader, and both have indicated they are keen to meet each other.

UNFICYP was established in March 1964 following the outbreak of intercommunal violence and is tasked with preventing a recurrence of fighting, contributing to the maintenance and restoration of law and order and a return to normal conditions.