Cyprus steps ahead in talks, says President Christofias

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias has denied the existence of 30 documents concerning the direct talks, noting that any documents in his possession are also in the possession of the members of the National Council.

The President made the statement on Tuesday when invited to comment on remarks by Socialist EDEK leader Yiannakis Omirou who called on Christofias to contest Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat about the existence of the documents.

Invited to comment on remarks concerning the handling of the Cyprus issue, the President said during the ongoing 16th annual Conference of Cypriots of the diaspora, participants, who live and are fighting for a settlement in countries which are crucial for a solution, have expressed support to the policy followed.

“They have thanked the President for the policy he has followed, taking Cyprus out of the corner and now we are steps ahead. That is the reality”, the president remarked.

President Christofias and Talat have been engaged in UN-led direct negotiations since September 2008 with a view to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem. The first phase of the talks was concluded this month and the second round will begin on September 3.