The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, believe that the coming months will be critical for the process and agreed to intensify their work and increase the frequency of their meetings in the coming months.
At the same time, they were encouraged by the progress made so far, and pledged their commitment to work tirelessly to reach a comprehensive settlement as soon as possible.
The statement was made by Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide on behalf of the two leaders after a three-hour meeting, the second this month.
Eide said the leaders “discussed the state of play across chapters since negotiations resumed four months ago”.
He said the negotiators “provided the leaders with an update on the work they have carried out since the meeting of the leaders on 1 September 2015. The leaders acknowledged the careful and constructive efforts of the negotiators and their teams. While encouraged by the progress being made, the leaders recognise the hard work that lies ahead”.
Eide said “the leaders believe that the coming months will be critical for the process. They will next meet on Monday 12 October 2015 and Friday 30 October 2015. The leaders agreed to intensify their work thereafter and increase the frequency of their meetings in the coming months, expressing their commitment to work tirelessly to reach a comprehensive settlement as soon as possible”.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-led talks, aiming to reunite the island under a federal roof, resumed on May 15, this year.
