Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-03-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT NEGOTIATIONS SECURITY

[02] BUTTENHEIM NEGOTIATIONS - SECURITY

[01] PRESIDENT NEGOTIATIONS SECURITY

Speaking after todays talks at the UN Protected area in Nicosia, President Christofias stated that the Greek Cypriot side has submitted its own positions and a proposal which the Turkish Cypriot side promised to study, adding that Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu also outlined his position on the internal aspects of security.

At their next meeting on Wednesday, April 6 they will comment on each others positions, he noted.

Replying to questions, the President explained that security concerns relate to the police force, of a federal Cyprus, the participation of both communities in the federal police force, federal police units, matters they will police, their responsibilities and such matters. It`s a pretty broad issue and will take up a lot of discussion, he pointed out.

Asked about the issue of a census in both communities and recent statements by Eroglu on this, President Christofias said that there is a relative stalemate on this issue, because the Turkish Cypriot leader highlights the so-called statehood of the illegal regime in the northern Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus.

The Greek Cypriot side has submitted a precise proposal for a census in both communities that will be monitored by international organizations, led by the United Nations, he stressed.

President Christofias added that he has not had any contact with the UNSG, noting that it is up to the Secretary General to assume this initiative. I am waiting for his call. Any time the Secretary General wants to speak to me I will be very happy to do so, he said.

During the next few days they will be in touch and the possibility of a new tripartite meeting in April will be clarified, the President added.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the islands northern third. The leaders of the two communities are currently engaged in UN-sponsored talks to find a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus issue.

[02] BUTTENHEIM NEGOTIATIONS - SECURITY

She said that the leaders met for just under an hour, in a friendly and constructive atmosphere at the UN Protected Area in Nicosia and will continue this discussion next week on Wednesday 6th April 10am, while the representatives will have their meeting next Tuesday 5th April at 10am.

Buttenheim was repeatedly asked whether the leaders discussed the citizenship issue, on which during their last meeting on 23 March, President Christofias submitted a precise proposal for a census in both communities that will be monitored by the United Nations and under its aegis. However, the Turkish Cypriot side opposes holding a census.

To a question whether they were to continue the discussion on the citizenship issue, Buttentheim said, they agreed at the last meeting they would discuss internal aspects of security. She underlined that the citizenship issue was not discussed today.

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