The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, who met in the framework of direct talks to solve the Cyprus problem, have left their aides to discuss the issue of property, President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias has said.
Depending on the outcome of these discussions, the UN Secretary General`s Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer will be drafting a short report for the UN chief, the President added.
Speaking after his meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, in the context of the talks, President Christofias said it was now up to Downer and the UN Secretary General, who would be receiving Downer`s report on Friday.
Replying to questions, President Christofias said the Greek Cypriot side was ready to continue talks irrespective of Downer`s report.
He also said the leaders concluded their meeting on Thursday and their aides stayed on to discuss the issue of property with the UN.
Asked about the possibility of an international conference on the Cyprus problem, President Christofias said he did not believe the UN Secretary General would be convening such a meeting because there was nothing to justify it.
“None of the obligations and commitments undertaken before the Secretary General has been met,“ he said, adding that such a meeting on the international aspects of the Cyprus issue could take place if and when the internal aspects of the problem have been solved.
“The issue of governance is still open, the issue of citizenship is still open, the issue of property is still open, and the issue of territory is still open. These are important aspects of the Cyprus problem. So convening any meeting is not justified,“ he said.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-led talks are currently underway with an aim to reunify the island.
Turkey’s EU accession chapters
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Meanwhile, President Christofias said that Cyprus cannot shift from its positions and accept the opening of chapters in Turkey`s EU accession negotiations, as long as Turkey does not meet its commitments.
Replying to questions, President Christofias said the Republic of Cyprus has its positions, which are well-known, and is in contact with European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule and the Cypriot MEPs, “so that things happen as they should.“
He explained that this meant that “if Turkey does not meet its obligations, we cannot shift and accept the opening of chapters.“