Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-06-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT - INFORMAL COUNCIL - CYPRUS ISSUE

[01] PRESIDENT - INFORMAL COUNCIL - CYPRUS ISSUE

In statements after a meeting of the Informal Council of party leaders, convened by President Demetris Christofias, the Spokesman described the meeting as constructive, saying that the President briefed the leaders on recent developments in the Cyprus issue and the leaders submitted their views.

The Informal Council, comprising political party leaders, convened as consultations continue at the UN Security Council on a resolution regarding the renewal of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

President Christofias said he was pleased with the meeting and referred journalists to the Spokesmans statements on the contents of the discussion.

Replying to questions, the Spokesman said the Greek Cypriot side remains consistent on the goal for a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, one state, one sovereignty, one citizenship and international personality, which is the basis of our negotiations and we ask the other side to act so as well.

Stressing the importance of having a clear basis of the negotiations with the Turkish Cypriot community, he said the Greek Cypriot side proceeds to the negotiations in a constructive manner and acts within the agreed basis.

It is very important to have a basis of the negotiations so that each side can be assessed as to whether it adheres to that basis, he went on to add.

Replying to questions, he said that no new meeting between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus has been decided yet, adding that Wednesdays meeting between the top aides of the two leaders aims to prepare the next meeting.

As regards the governments position on an international conference on the Cyprus issue, Stephanou reiterated that President Christofias and the Greek Cypriot side believe that any such conference must take place when the time is ripe, explaining that such a conference will have to deal with the international aspects of the Cyprus issue, in the UN framework and with the participation of the EU, the Republic of Cyprus and the parties involved.

President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, who succeeded Mehmet Ali Talat in April as the head of the Turkish Cypriot community, have met once since Eroglu became the leader of the Turkish Cypriots. Last weeks scheduled meeting between the two was postponed, following remarks by Eroglu that questioned his adherence to the basis of the ongoing UN-led talks.

The top aides to the two leaders have met since to discuss developments. Talks are set to continue between the two leaders.

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

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