CYPRIOT LEADERS RESUME UN-LED REUNIFICATION NEGOTIATIONS

CYPRIOT LEADERS RESUME UN-LED REUNIFICATION NEGOTIATIONS
New York, Jan 28 2009 2:10PM
Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders held talks today as part of United Nations-sponsored negotiations aimed at reunifying the Mediterranean island, with this round of talks focusing on property issues.

In May, Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat committed to a partnership that will comprise a Federal Government with a single international identity, as well as a Turkish Cypriot Constituent State and a Greek Cypriot Constituent State which will be of equal status.

"As customary they started with a one-hour tête-à-tête, following which the two sides formally presented the principles which will guide the negotiations on the property issue," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative Tayé-Brook Zerihoun told reporters after the meeting in the UN Protected Area in Nicosia.

The leaders have agreed to meet again a week from today, when they will present their initial reactions to each other's position on property, as well as continue their efforts to fully agree on the outstanding issues concerning the governance of the island.

During their head-to-head meeting, Mr. Christofias and Mr. Talat approved the establishment of an advisory board on the preservation, physical protection and restoration of immovable cultural heritage of Cyprus.
Jan 28 2009 2:10PM
________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/