Cyprus leaders to hold their 30th meeting

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat will meet on Thursday morning in the framework of direct negotiations which began last September with a view to reach a solution in Cyprus and reunify the island.

During today’s meeting, which will take place at the UN protected area of the old now defunct Nicosia airport, the leaders of the two communities are expected to continue their discussion on economic matters.

During their last meeting, on May 21th, held in the presence of Alexander Downer, UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus, the two leaders discussed the opening of a crossing point at Limnitis, on the north east, to facilitate movement to and from the island’s northern Turkish occupied areas.

In statements following the meeting, President Christofias had expressed disappointment regarding the stance of Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on the opening of a crossing point in Limnitis.

The government of Cyprus has pledged it is ready to open the crossing point of Limnitis to facilitate free movement but the Turkish Cypriot side has asked for the supply of electricity in the area of Kokkina as well as fuel in order to give its consent to the opening of the crossing point.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.