Progress on settlement chapters under discussion in the UN-led peace talks is encouraging, says Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades
There is encouraging progress on the chapters that have been discussed so far in settlement talks, he said, pointing out however that significant issues remain.
In statements at the Presidential Palace, on his return from a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, in the framework of UN-led settlement talks for a Cyprus solution, the President of the Republic said that “there are nine sets of issues that will be discussed, therefore no one can draw safe conclusions on the basis of progress that is being noted at the current phase of negotiations”.
He noted that six more meetings have been scheduled, until July 29.
The President said that significant progress has been made on the internal cooperation between the federal government and the constituent states, while discussion was ongoing on international treaties.
He clarified that there was a separate discussion on federal competences between the two negotiators and their teams, upon instructions by the leaders.
Asked about international treaties, the President said that a separate discussion will be held, to review those that may contradict with Cyprus` EU membership.”It is too early to talk about it at the moment” he noted.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. The two sides have been engaged in peace talks to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.
CNA/TNEAGK/MM/2016
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY