Cyprus-Forum.com

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The United Nations Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer has been received by TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat.

At the end of the meeting at the Presidential Palace this morning, Mr Downer told reporters that it is time to focus on the negotiation process.

The UN envoy rejected Greek Cypriot press reports that the UN Secretary General was scheduled to visit the island in November.


Mr Downer said it was time to concentrate on central issues and try to solve problems that affect the two sides on the island, when he was insistently asked to comment on Greek Cypriot press reports claiming that he was declared a persona non grata in South Cyprus.

“We do what we can to help the two leaders in the negotiation process. What other people say is just a matter for them” he said.

Asked whether it would be possible to prepare a draft agreement by the end of the year and put it to a referendum early in spring, the UN envoy said “I don’t know the exact timing but I am cautiously optimistic that the leaders can do this”.

He said an incredibly difficult process has been continuing in Cyprus but added that the two leaders in Cyprus as well as Turkey and Greece were in favor of an agreement.

“So the important thing is to negotiate that agreement on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality. And our role here is just to do what we can to help” he said.

The UN Envoy’s discussions with the two leaders came just a day before tomorrow’s talks between Talat and Christofias.

The leaders will meet again on Thursday.

Meanwhile, senior aides of the two leaders met this afternoon to take up the details of the issue ahead of the meeting.