Berlusconi welcomes Cyprus negotiations

 Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has expressed satisfaction with the efforts made by the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem.

The Italian Prime Minister hosted a working dinner Tuesday evening in Cypriot President Demetris Christofias’ honor, who is paying an official visit to Italy.

According to a press release issued by the Italian Prime Minister’s Office after the working dinner, discussion with President Christofias focused on “the negotiation between Cypriots, the main issues which concern bilateral cooperation and main issues on the international agenda”.

“Prime Minister Berlusconi stressed the firm ties between the two countries, their common European and Mediterranean character”, the press release says.

It is also added that “the Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction with the effort made by the leaders of the two communities at the negotiating process and their willingness to insist on that effort”.

The press release notes that President Christofias reaffirmed his commitment to continue the negotiating process in order to reach an overall solution of the Cyprus problem.

President Christofias continues his official visit in Italy. Today, he will visit Perugia, where he will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of communication systems in international relations by the University for Foreigners of Perugia.

He will also visit the Town Hall (Palazzo Prior). A ceremony will be held there during which the Mayor of Perugia will hand over to the Cypriot President the Seals of the Town.

President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in direct negotiations since September 2008 with a view to reach a settlement of the question of Cyprus, divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.