National Council convenes to discuss Turkey’s EU course

The National Council, top advisory body to the President of Cyprus, convenes Friday morning, under President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias, to discuss Turkey’s EU accession progress and its assessment by the European Council in December.

According to the communique issued after the previous meeting, which was held November 24th and lasted four hours, President Christofias informed Council members (parliamentary parties) about the ongoing direct negotiations held between himself and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, aiming to reunify Cyprus, which has been divided since the Turkish invasion of 1974.

The Council members also talked about the property issue, which is part of the ongoing direct talks.

On Turkey’s EU course, the Council was informed by the President about his moves regarding this issue, parliamentary action on the matter and contacts the Foreign Minister has had with EU member states in respect of this issue.

The Council will continue today discussion on Turkey’s EU course.

Christofias and Talat began peace talks in September 2008, under UN auspices to find a mutually acceptable solution that will reunite Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.