Cyprus counts on T/Cypriot cooperation in talks

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said today that on the one hand there were difficulties in the process for a Cyprus settlement which began after the 8 July 2006 agreement but on the other hand the Greek Cypriot side hoped the Turkish Cypriot side would cooperate for the speedy commencement of work on a technical committee level, so that the procedure for political negotiations aimed at a solution would begin.

‘Our position is clear. We are constructive. There are difficulties, but we hope the Turkish Cypriot side will cooperate for the speedy commencement of the work of the committees, which is necessary for the preparation of the political negotiations,’ he said in statements on the sidelines of the three-day conference in Nicosia of the Central Boards of PSEKA and POMAK.

Asked if arrangements had been made for him to meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, President Papadopoulos said ‘the July 8 agreement says that the leaders of the two communities will meet from time to time to monitor the work of the committees, to give instructions and to hold negotiations on the ground being prepared by the committees, when and as needed.’

The President wondered what was more important, to have a meeting or to have a reason for a meeting.