Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-01-13

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT - TALKS - FIRST ROUND

[02] DOWNER CYPRUS TALKS

[03] CHRISTOFIAS CLINTON CONVERSATION

[01] PRESIDENT - TALKS - FIRST ROUND

Speaking on his return to the Presidential Palace after the end of Wednesdays meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, at the residence of the UN Secretary General`s Special Representative in Cyprus Tayie Brook Zerihoun, President Christofias said that they continued the free discussion on the issue of governance, in an effort to reach a mutual understanding. And this will be continue during the next meeting, he added.

Asked if the goal of reaching convergences during the intensive talks has been accomplished, President Christofias said not yet.

I cannot say that we have concrete results, he said noting however that the discussion has a meaning.

But, I am very- very cautious to tell you that there have been convergences. Still, I have a lot of patience, as you know, with Mr. Talat and Turkey, and with our people, in order to be calm and continue the effort because the target is not to fail. The target is to success, he concluded.

The first round of meetings began on Monday and concluded today, while the second round will take place on the 25th, 26th and 27th of January.

The two leaders have been engaged in direct negotiations since September 2008 with a view to solve the problem of Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

[02] DOWNER CYPRUS TALKS

Speaking to the press after Wednesdays meeting, UN Secretary Generals Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer, noted that the leaders continued through the course of the day with ``a free and very open exchange of views`` on the chapter of governance and power sharing.

The talks, he said, were held in a very positive atmosphere, there was a very good spirit. The representatives of the two leaders, George Iacovou and Ozdil Nami, will continue discussion on the same chapter following Wednesday.

Invited to say if there has been any progress during the first round of intensive talks, Downer underlined that the talks are being held in a very positive spirit and a very good atmosphere. The talks will continue with the representatives next week and there will be further three days of intensive talks, so you need to look at it in the totality of this period, he pointed out. You will find out how this is all gone at the end of the process, the UN envoy went on to say.

[03] CHRISTOFIAS CLINTON CONVERSATION

According to an official announcement, Clinton called President Christofias and referred to the important role of Cyprus in the Middle East and the region, adding that all the parts should play a role towards the goal of the solution of the Cyprus issue, which will contribute to the promotion of peace in the area.

President Christofias briefed the Secretary of State on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue and assured that he will continue the efforts in order to find a just, viable and functional solution, based on the UN resolutions and the international law.

Finally, President Christofias stressed Turkeys key role in the Cyprus issue, as well as the role the USA can play exercising influence on Turkey, in order Ankara to change its stance and contribute to a solution that is based on principles.

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