Christofias calls on Talat to speak in undertones

Cypriot President Demetris Christofias has called on Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to speak in undertones regarding the Cyprus problem, noting that ”comments either side, if we wish to work properly, should be avoided.”

”This is my message to Mr. Talat, if we really want to work seriously for a Cyprus settlement,” Christofias said, commenting on a letter sent by Talat to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.

Christofias added that he had elaborated on the parameters of the settlement pursued before the House of Representatives and that ”I expect understanding from the other side.”

Replying to questions, Christofias said he would be meeting with the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative in Cyprus Michael Moller on Monday and would be flying to Athens on Tuesday for a visit that will last until Thursday.

Asked if he would be sending a letter to the UN chief, Christofias said ”moves will be made in the direction of the UN Secretariat, the UN Secretary General and the five permanent members of the Security Council.”

He also said he was in close contact with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and that his next trip would be to Brussels.