UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer reiterated last week that he is cautiously optimistic the negotiation process aiming to a Cyprus solution can succeed, as talks enter the second phase of the process, on September 3, 2009.
In statements after meeting Cyprus President Demetris Christofias at the Presidential Palace, Downer said “we are coming to the end of what it is sometimes called the first reading of the chapters of the negotiations”.
“It depends above all on the leaders, the good will and support of the leaders and the people. If the leaders and the people want a solution then anything can be achieved, if people don’t want a solution it won’t happen,” Downer said.
Asked when the talks will enter the second reading, Downer said that the second phase will begin “almost certainly” on September 3.
Replying to question on the tender on Limnitis road, Downer said that the UN is working on the issue and holds talks with the two sides about how the tender will work, adding none of that is being concluded yet.