Cyprus leaders to hold their 39th meeting in the framework of direct talks

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat will hold on Thursday their 39th meeting in the framework of UN–led direct negotiations aiming to solve the problem of Cyprus, divided since the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974.

UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Cyprus Tayee-Brook Zerihoun has said that the two leaders discussed during their 38th meeting issues relating to aliens, immigration, asylum and citizenship.

Zerihoun said the leaders read their opening statement on the issue of aliens, immigration, asylum and citizenship and had a preliminary exchange of views on it.

He noted that they agreed that during their meeting this week they will give a formal reply to each other’s introductory statement and that they will meet again on the 6th of August before they break up for the summer holiday.

UN-led peace talks between Christofias and Talat began in September last year to find a negotiated settlement to reunite the country under a federal roof.