Cypriot leaders discuss European Union in latest round of UN-backed talks

European Union (EU) issues were the focus today of the latest round in the United Nations-backed process of reunification talks between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, one of the last meetings before an expected break for elections in the north.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who spoke with his Special Adviser Alexander Downer by telephone following the meeting, told journalists today in New York that it was “very important” that the two leaders have continued negotiating despite the electoral campaign in the north of the Mediterranean island. The Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, is up for re-election on 18 April.

The next meeting between the two leaders is scheduled for 30 March, Mr. Downer told journalists in Nicosia, where the talks between Mr. Talat and his Greek Cypriot counterpart, Dimitris Christofias, are taking place.

“I am not sure how much progress they will be making, but during my visit I stressed with them the importance of making progress,” the Secretary-General said, reiterating the message he delivered himself during a visit to the region last month.

“It is again very encouraging that the Turkish Prime Minister has made quite a good statement which will be also a good demonstration of the commitment of the Turkish Government,” Mr. Ban added.

Mr. Downer, who has recently visited both Greece and Turkey, told the Secretary-General that he has had very good consultation and support from both countries.

The UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus (UNFICYP) was set up in 1964 to prevent further fighting between the two communities.

“We hope that if the two leaders can issue some joint statement on the agreement they will have made, that is my sincere hope. I have asked Mr. Downer to do his best to facilitate to make progress,” the Secretary-General said today.