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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-07-02Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] NATIONAL COUNCIL - MEETINGThe National Council, top advisory body to the President on the Cyprus issue, is meeting here today at 16:30 to discuss the latest developments in the Cyprus problem after yesterdays meeting between the Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.During the session, President Christofias is expected to brief the members of the Council, which comprises parliamentary parties, about the outcome of his meeting with Talat. This was the third meeting between Christofias and Talat since Christofias was elected to the presidency of the Republic earlier this year. President Christofias has expressed satisfaction with the results of the meeting. According to the joint statement issued after yesterdays meeting, the two leaders discussed the issues of single sovereignty and citizenship which they agreed in principle. They agreed to discuss the details of their implementation during the full-fledged negotiations, it added. Furthermore, they agreed to meet on 25 July when they will undertake the final review of the Working Groups and Technical Committees. Six working groups and seven technical committees, set up in the context of the March 21 agreement between Christofias and Talat are meeting to prepare the ground for substantive negotiations between the two leaders, with a view to find a political settlement that will reunite Cyprus, which has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. [02] UN - CYPRUS TALKSMichele Montas, Spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, has said that Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have reached agreement in principle on the issues of single sovereignty and citizenship for future unified Cyprus.Commenting on Tuesday`s meeting between the two leaders, Montas said that the agreement came out of a four and half hour meeting at the UN protected area in Nicosia. ``The Secretary-Generals Special representative for Cyprus Taye-Brook Zerihoun read out a joint statement on behalf of the two leaders and we have copies of that statement upstairs``, Montas added. Montas pointed out that ``Mr. Christofias and Mr. Talat will meet again on the 25th of July as work continues in preparation of full-fledged negotiations later this year``. Invited to comment on reports that Alexander Downer, former FM of Australia, will be appointed as special envoy for Cyprus by the UN Secretary General, Montas said:`` I dont have an announcement at this point. Not yet``. [03] US - CHRISTOFIAS-TALAT MEETINGThe US is encouraged by efforts to begin negotiations in Cyprus under UN auspices, a State Department official has said, replying to questions about a meeting between the Cyprus President and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community. The official said Washington is pleased with the progress thus far at three meetings of the two leaders, the ongoing work of the working groups and technical committees which discuss various aspects of the Cyprus question with a view to prepare the ground for direct negotiations and the opening of Ledra street crossing in Nicosia to facilitate movement to and from the northern Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus.We look forward to the start of full-fledged negotiations, he said, commenting on Tuesdays meeting between Christofias and Talat in Nicosia. According to the joint statement issued after yesterdays meeting, the two leaders discussed the issues of single sovereignty and citizenship which they agreed in principle. They agreed to discuss the details of their implementation during the full-fledged negotiations, it added. Furthermore, they agreed to meet on 25 July when they will undertake the final review of the Working Groups and Technical Committees. Regarding Alexander Dowenrs expected appointment as special envoy of the UN General Secretary for Cyprus, the State Department official said that there is no confirmation yet. The American government would welcome the appointment of a special envoy, he said. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |