Talks continue on property

The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, Demetris Christofias and Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday had a ‘substantial discussion’ on the property issue, in their second discussion on the subject as part of the ongoing negotiations.

According to the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative in Cyprus, Taye Brook Zerihoun, the two leaders presented their sides’ views and reactions to the principles set by each side during their previous meeting last week.“They had a good round of discussions, a substantial discussion on this matter and they have agreed to continue these discussions next week, in the afternoon of February 12,” said Zerihoun. He added that in the meantime, on Friday, the two leaders’ advisors, Iacovou and Nami, would meet to continue their discussions on how to assist the current efforts.Zerihoun also announced that the UN Secretary General’s special advisor in Cyprus, Alexander Downer, would be present at the two leaders’ meeting next week.

In an interview with the Financial Times, the EU's enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn expressed hope that a settlement of the Cyprus problem would avert a crisis in Turkey's entry talks.

He said he would travel to Cyprus next week to underline the EU's support for talks that started last September between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders on a comprehensive settlement to reunite the island.

"The essential thing is that the process is under way," Mr Rehn said. "In my view, it's realistic to assume the intensive phase of the negotiations will take place between April and autumn."
A settlement could prevent a serious blow to EU-Turkish relations by prompting Turkey to open its ports and airports to Cypriot vessels and aircraft before the end of this year, EU officials said.