Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders on Monday reaffirmed their "strong commitment" to finding a comprehensive solution to the decades-old Cyprus problem.
Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat met in the UN-controlled buffer zone in Nicosia, with the presence of Alexander Downer, special adviser to the UN secretary general on the Cyprus issue.
"We assure you we are resolved to do all in our power to reach a settlement as soon as possible," Downer said reading out a joint statement of the two leaders following their meeting.
This was the 13th meeting between Christofias and Talat since they started direct negotiations under UN auspices in September.
Although some progress has been made since then, "it has been insufficient," the two leaders agreed in the joint statement.
The two sides are still divided on issues including power sharing, property arrangement and security guarantees.
"We would like 2009 to bring peace and prosperity to Cyprus, our common homeland, as well as the whole world," Christofias and Talat said in the statement.
Downer told reporters that he also looked forward to "a productive year" in 2009 in terms of the reunification talks.
"There is momentum here in these negotiations," said the top UN envoy.
"I think the fact that the two leaders have made a joint statement today is a very encouraging and a very positive development," he added.
The two leaders were "very committed to a successful process," Downer said.
But he refused to elaborate on his recent discussions with officials in Greece and Turkey, two key players on the Cyprus issue.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when the Turkish military intervened and occupied the north of the island following a coup by a group of Greek officers.
The breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which the Turkish Cypriot authorities established in 1983, is recognized only by Turkey.
After years of deadlock, Christofias and Talat, both considered pro-settlement leaders, have agreed in principle to reunify the island in a bi-zonal, bi-communal, federal structure. But they differ on how it should work.
Source:Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article