Property issues and external relations the focus of latest UN-backed talks on Cyprus

Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders have discussed property rights and external relations during the latest two days of United Nations-backed talks aimed at reunifying the Mediterranean island.

Greek Cypriot leader Dimitris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat held a tête-à-tête for two hours today in the UN Protected Area in Nicosia, focusing largely on property rights.

Yesterday they held several hours of discussion on the issue of external relations, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser Alexander Downer told journalists.

Mr. Downer said the two leaders have agreed to meet again next Tuesday to talk about the competencies of a federal government and also continue their discussions on external relations. He characterized this week’s talks as useful.

Last year Mr. Christofias and Mr. Talat committed themselves to working towards “a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, as defined by relevant Security Council resolutions.”

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

A UN peacekeeping force known as UNFICYP has been in place on the island of Cyprus since 1964, following the outbreak of inter-communal violence.