President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cyprio leader Mustafa Akinci on Friday touched upon the issues of territory and guarantees, in the framework of the UN-backed talks.
The last time these issues were discussed on the negotiating table was in 2004. Friday`s meeting took place in the presence of only the leaders and their negotiators.
Returning to the Presidential Palace after the meeting which lasted almost four hours, President Anastasiades described it as productive, adding that the two sides reaffirmed their differences in the issues of guarantees and territory, but also their will to address the problems that raise concerns in the two sides.
He said that eight meetings have been scheduled after the summer break in which these issues will be mainly discussed.
The President pointed out that this was the first meeting in which these issues were discussed but not the first dealing with the matter, because views had been exchanged at times. He underlined that this is the first time the matter is discussed in depth and added that there was still way to go, but the two sides had the will to deal with the problems that raised concerns in both communities in a constructive dialogue.
Invited to comment on how the Turkish Cypriot side approached the issues, the President said that he does not with to make any comments which may affect the ongoing dialogue.
President Anastasiades also said that these are sensitive issues for both sides and that special attention will be observed to what each one says and that there is still distance to cover.
In response to a question whether these differences can be bridged, the President said that if the dialogue continues the distance can be reduced in order to overcome problems, concerns and possible threats.
Asked if he is optimistic the President said that he has not spoken about optimism but rather a productive meeting where the differences were reaffirmed. He said that it will depend on how much each one comprehends the problems that really exist rather than a possible adoption of past positions.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Peace talks under the aegis of the UN are currently underway with the aim to reunite the island under a federal roof.
CNA/KCH/GV/2016
Community leaders in Cyprus discuss territory and guarantees
