President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias believes that there is no “impressive progress” at the direct talks he is engaged in with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Mehmet Ali Talat.
However, the President also points out that it is early days in the ongoing talks and one must not express pessimism at this stage.
He said that the Greek Cypriot side will continue the dialogue with the Turkish Cypriots with good will and flexibility, defending the principles of a Cyprus settlement, that will reunite the country, which has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.
In statements on Sunday evening before departing for Sofia, Bulgaria for an official visit, President Christofias said “the problem is that there is no impressive progress, not to say that there is no progress at all”.
The President said he cannot be pessimistic. “We have just begun, only two meetings have taken place and there will be more”, noting that there is a lot to discuss. For the time being, he said, “we are only talking about governance and I will remain cautiously optimistic despite the fact that at times I am anxious”.
President Christofias said “We will continue the dialogue, defending principles, with good will and flexibility. The talks are under UN auspices and we aspire to reach an agreed solution that will serve the best interests of Cypriots and not of foreigners”, he added.
The President dismissed as “fiction” reports that the UN are seeking an “express” process that might eventually lead to deadlines.
“The process remains as it is, I will meet Mr. Talat on Friday just as I have done so far but I have no idea about an ‘express’ process”, he added.
The President refrained from any comment on the content of the talks, pointing out that there is a commitment to confidentiality.
On Talat’s statements about a new partnership, President Christofias said Talat had not ruled out the possibility of having the current state of Cyprus being transformed.
“He is talking about a new partnership. This is the truth”, said President Christofias, adding “our position is well known, we are not relinquishing the Republic of Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus is the common state of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, and this Republic of Cyprus, the united state, will evolve into a federal, bicommunal, bizonal state”, the President concluded.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island’s northern third.
President Christofias and Talat began substantive talks on September 11, aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement. They are due to meet again on Friday.
