Cypriot leaders agree to direct talks under UN auspices later this month

The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders have agreed to hold direct talks under United Nations auspices in Nicosia on 21 March, the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) announced today.

Senior aides to Dimitris Christofias and Mehmet Ali Talat agreed to the talks at a meeting today hosted by Michael Møller, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Cyprus, according to the UNFICYP news release, which added that the 21 March meeting will take place in the UN Protected Area in Nicosia.

Mr. Møller described today’s encounter between George Iacovou and Ozdil Nami, aides to Mr. Christofias and Mr. Talat respectively, as taking place “in a very cordial and constructive atmosphere.”

The aides “reached a great degree of convergence on the issues discussed, including on the possible future opening of the Ledra Street crossing” in Nicosia, UNFICYP noted.

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