The working group on property issues is getting more active, as meetings between the two sides intensify, in a bid to assist efforts by the two Cyprus leaders to bridge the respective positions at the negotiations` table.
The Greek Cypriot working group was established in March 2014, following the Joint Declaration of February 2014, agreed by the President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and the then Turkish Cypriot leader Dervish Eroglu, that paved the way for the resumption of settlement talks, aiming to reunite the country under a federal roof.
A similar Turkish Cypriot working group is also in operation.
A source from the Greek Cypriot working group on property told the Cyprus News Agency that the meetings with the respective Turkish Cypriot working group have intensified. “We have started in the last four weeks to have with the Turkish Cypriots joint meetings” the source noted, adding that there has also been a meeting, in the presence of the negotiators of the two sides, Andreas Mavroyiannis from the Greek Cypriot side and Ozdil Nami from the Turkish Cypriot side.
The same source, who asked to remain anonymous, said that the working group`s involvement is expected to intensify, in order to assist with its expertise in the efforts of negotiator Mavroyiannis and of President Anastasiades to reach a settlement.
The working group has concluded the preparation of the Greek Cypriot positions on the chapter of property since May 2014, as has the Turkish Cypriot side.
These positions, the same source noted, “cover all aspects” such as the criteria for property restitution, exchange or compensation, the proposed remedies and the establishment of a property commission following a settlement.
Currently, the two sides are negotiating, in an effort to reach common ground.
The source who spoke to CNA called finally for more information, in order for the people to understand what this is about. “We need to say more” on this matter, so far only Turkish Cypriot and Turkish positions have been made public, the source concluded.
UN-led talks between President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci resumed last May, with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.