Second round of intensive talks in Cyprus begins today

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat will begin today the second round of intensive talks in the context of the ongoing UN-led negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

The intensive round is being held at the official residence of UNFICYP Chief of Mission in the UN Protected Area. The first round of meetings took place 11, 12 and 13 January. The second phase will take place 25th, 26th and 27th of January.

In statements to the press on his return to the Presidential Palace after the conclusion of the first round of intensive talks, during which the leaders discussed the chapter of governance and power sharing, President Christofias had said he was very cautious to speak about convergences.

Speaking to the press on the same day, UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer, had noted that the first round of intensive talks was held in a very positive atmosphere and urged everyone to wait until the conclusion of the second round in order to be able to say if there has been any progress.

President Christofias and Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in direct negotiations since September 2008 with a view to solve the problem of Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.