UN recognise Republic of Cyprus, Downer stresses

The United Nations recognise the Republic of Cyprus, UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer stressed here today.

He also pointed out that the venue of a meeting, earlier today between UN Secretary General Ban Ki – moon and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, has no political significance.

Speaking after Ban Ki-moon's meeting with President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias at the Presidential Palace, Downer in a short statement said ''it' s well known that the United Nations recognise the Republic of Cyprus, you are aware of that''.

He was commenting on Ban Ki-moon's meeting with Talat at the so-called presidential palace in the northern Turkish occupied part of the capital Nicosia, a move which disturbed the Cypriot government.

The meeting, which was scheduled to take place at Talat's residence in the morning, was held without prior notice, except notification at the last moment, at the so-called presidential palace.

''The Secretary-General met with Mr. Talat in his capacity as the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community in the context of the negotiations for a solution for the Cyprus problem'', Downer explained.

''The venue of the meeting has no political significance'', he added.

In the afternoon, the UNSG is meeting jointly with the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus at the UNFICYP Chief of Mission’s residence in the UN protected area in Nicosia. This will be followed by a joint press conference.

In the evening, he will attend a reception in the presence of the civil society and the diplomatic community. Greek Cypriot political parties have also expressed disagreement and dismay at Ban’s move, and in protest some have announced they would not be attending the reception.

Ban Ki – moon will depart from Cyprus on Tuesday morning.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

President Christofias and Talat have been engaged in UN-led direct negotiations since September 2008, with an aim to reunify the island.