Cyprus President announces cancellation of military exercise

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias has announced his decision to cancel Nikiforos, the National Guard annual military exercise. Speaking at the Presidential Palace, President Christofias said the Council of Ministers had decided some time ago to suggest to the UN Secretary General the postponement or cancellation of Nikiforos and to ask that the Turkish side follow suit and cancell its own military exercise Taurus.
''On the basis of this position, the President of the Republic has decided to cancel the military exercise Nikiforos,'' he said.
Referring to Monday's meeting with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mehmet Ali Talat, President Christofias said discussions were good and continuing, noting that the aides of the leaders of the two communities will meet on Thursday, before the next meeting between President Christofias and Talat.
Asked if he was satisfied with today’s meeting, President Christofias said this was an ongoing process. ''We are engaged in discussions. These are negotiations on many serious issues and it will take time, so you cannot comment on a discussion each time it is held,'' he pointed out.
Replying to other questions, President Christofias said the issue of the presidency and vice presidency is being discussed and that George Iacovou and Ozdil Nami, aides to the leaders, will be continuing discussions before referring the issue to the leaders.