Cyprus President Papadopoulos may meet Talat

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said conceded that he has no objection to a social meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, although he has underlined that the Cyprus problem is an issue that has to be discussed under UN auspices.

“Several months ago I discussed with House President Demetris Christofias the possibility for a meeting with Talat. I told him, and I reiterated this in public as well, that there is no dogmatic objection on my part to a social encounter with Mr Talat,” he said in statements to Cypriot radio station Astra.

Papadopoulos came under pressure to meet Talat following reports that Demetris Christofias, had invited Papadopoulos and Talat for a private meal at his own home.

President Papadopoulos, who has resisted informal meetings, added that if a social meeting between himself and Talat takes place it will not be a major step towards the settlement of the Cyprus problem.

“If we discuss the Cyprus problem, this should take place under the UN auspices,” he said, saying that there should be evidence “that Talat is authorised to discuss major issues for the solution of the Cyprus problem, not for the day by day solution of confidence building issues.”