Cyprus President Demetris Christofias has said he is very cautious to speak about convergences during the first phase of the intensive talks, in the framework of the ongoing direct negotiation process, to solve the Cyprus problem.
Speaking on his return to the Presidential Palace after the end of Wednesday’s meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, at the residence of the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative in Cyprus Tayie Brook Zerihoun, President Christofias said that they continued the open discussion on the issue of governance, “in an effort to reach a mutual understanding. And this will continue during the next meeting,” he added.
Asked if the goal of reaching convergences during the intensive talks has been accomplished, President Christofias said “not yet”.
UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer, noted on Wednesday that the leaders continued through the course of the day with “a free and very open exchange of views” on the chapter of governance and power sharing.
“The talks”, he said, “were held in a very positive atmosphere, there was a very good spirit.”
The representatives of the two leaders, George Iacovou and Ozdil Nami, will continue discussion on the same chapter following Wednesday.
The first round of meetings concluded on Wednesday, while the second round will take place on the 25th, 26th and 27th of January.