The United Nations believe that important progress has been achieved on the joint statement that will pave the way for the resumption of direct talks on the Cyprus problem.
The Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, when invited to comment on the contacts the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on Cyprus Alexander Downer had in Cyprus said “Important progress was achieved on the joint statement through discussions and constructive engagement by the Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Greece and Turkey”.
Although this work has not yet concluded, the office of the Spokesperson said, “the Secretary-General is hopeful that it will lead to a successful outcome soon”.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern part. The latest round of UN-backed negotiations to reunite the island under a federal roof came to a halt in the summer of 2012.
President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades insists that before talks can begin a Joint Declaration should be issued to record the basic parameters of the solution on the basis of previous High Level Agreements and UN resolutions, which provide for a bizonal bicommunal federation with a single sovereignty, one citizenship and one international personality.
Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu refuses to see the validity of such a joint declaration statement.
The Joint Declaration, the President points out, must not overlook Cyprus’ status as a full EU member with respect to the acquis communautaire and EU values and principles, which should in turn secure the rights of all citizens of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
The last few weeks the UN have been meeting with the negotiators of the two communities in an effort to resume the talks.