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Cypriot leaders resume UN-backed discussions

Cypriot leaders resume UN-backed discussions

From right: Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias, Alexander Downer and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu
The leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities of Cyprus today held another round of talks on the issue of property, part of a United Nations-facilitated process aimed at reunifying the Mediterranean island.

The meetings began in 2008 after the then-leaders of the two communities committed themselves to working towards a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, as defined by relevant Security Council resolutions.

The property aspect of the talks tries to resolve numerous complex claims between the two sides on property seized decades ago.

Today’s meeting between Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias took place in a “very good atmosphere,” Alexander Downer, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser, told reporters.

The two leaders, he added, are set to meet twice in early August.

Last month, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Mr. Eroglu to “grasp the current political window of opportunity to reach a settlement” in the Cyprus dispute.

“The Secretary-General encouraged Mr. Eroglu to grasp the current political window of opportunity to reach a settlement,” according to information released by the UN spokesperson’s office. “He hoped that the two leaders would make serious advances in the coming months, understanding that this would require compromises on both sides.”

For his part Mr. Eroglu voiced his commitment to reaching a settlement, adding he believed it could be achieved this year with goodwill and compromises from both sides.

Also in June, the Security Council extended the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus, known as UNFICYP, for an additional six months. The mission was set up in March 1964 following the outbreak of violence between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.