President Nicos Anastasiades said on Friday that he had a very positive first meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci, in the framework of UN-led talks for a Cyprus solution.
In statements at the Presidential Palace, in Nicosia, on his return from peace talks held at the UN-protected area of the Nicosia airport, President Anastasiades said that instructions were given to the negotiators of both communities to work on proposals for specific measures that will improve people`s daily lives.
In particular, Anastasiades said that “the talks took place in a most positive atmosphere and I believe that by working in this way we can hope for progress”.
Asked to comment on measures announced by the Turkish Cypriot side, the President of the Republic said that “we are still at the very first stage.”
“We have instructed the negotiators to work on a series of measures” and present their suggestions, before taking any decisions, he added.
The President said moreover that it is a matter of a few days for the preparatory work to be done, and noted that the leaders will be able to announce more specific measures, during their next meeting, scheduled for May 28.
These measures will concern the daily lives of citizens, he added.
Asked about a social meeting with Akinci, announced for May 23 by UN SG Special Advisor Eide, the President said that the program will be announced within the next few days.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.
Settlement talks aiming at a solution that will reunite the country under a federal roof resumed on Friday, after they were suspended seven months ago.
In October 2014, President Anastasiades decided to suspend his participation at the talks, following a Navigational Telex or NAVTEX, issued by Turkey, as Turkish seismic research vessel “Barbaros” violated the Republic’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
The Turkish NAVTEX, that was renewed in January 2015, expired on April 6 and Barbaros left Cyprus` EEZ.
Last month, the Turkish Cypriot community elected Mustafa Akinci as its new leader.