Latest round of UN-backed Cyprus talks focus on European Union matters

The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders met today in Nicosia to discuss European Union (EU) matters as part of the ongoing United Nations-backed negotiations aimed at reunifying the island.

Greek Cypriot leader Dimitris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat met today for an hour-and-a-half tête-à-tête, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alexander Downer, told the press.

They then began discussions on issues related to the EU, which the Republic of Cyprus is a member of, but the northern part of the island is not. Mr. Downer noted that the EU does not have any direct involvement in the discussions.

He added that the leaders decided to refer some of the particularly technical legal issues to their experts, who will be meeting on Friday and Monday.

“The leaders will meet again on Tuesday to review the work of the technical experts and have a further discussion on EU matters,” stated the Special Adviser.

In May 2008, the two leaders committed themselves to working towards “a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, as defined by relevant Security Council resolutions.”

The 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.