Cyprus leaders begin discussions on economic matters

Cyprus President Christofias has said he exchanged views with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on the chapter of economy, during a new meeting in the framework of the UN-led direct negotiations for an agreed settlement to the Cyprus problem which resumed on Wednesday.

''The discussion on the issue of economy began. We exchanged our first views,'' Christofias said in statements after his arrival to the Presidential Palace from the UN Protected area.

He added that the two communities' working groups on the chapter of economy will meet on Friday to continue discussions on the chapter.

The President also said he had ''private meetings with Talat where we freely exchanged views both on current issues which could be raised by the one or the other side, but also on all aspects of the Cyprus problem.''

Replying to a question whether Talat told him he would prefer to continue the discussion of the issue of Governance, President Christofias said ''Talat can state whatever he likes''.

''I negotiate seriously and I will say what I have to say without many answers to question which create additional issues for internal consumption and for frictions among the parties.''

Replying to a question, the President said that the four scheduled meetings will cover the chapters of economy, EU matters and property, ''and whatever else it could be discusses if there is time in these meetings.''

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat began Un-led direct negotiations on September 2008 and have so far held over 60 meetings, focusing on six chapters, Governance and Power sharing, Property, Economic matters, EU matters, Territory and Security and Guarantees.