Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-09-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] SPOKESMAN CYPRUS ISSUE

[01] SPOKESMAN CYPRUS ISSUE

Invited to comment on press reports that the UN Secretary Generals Special Adviser Alexander Downer reportedly told his associates that he will know on Friday whether the Cyprus issue can be solved, Stephanou replied we must wait.

In statements at Pervolia village of Larnaca district, Stephanou remarked that the Cyprus issue is not an easy issue to solve and I think this has been proven over the years. The Greek Cypriot side is doing whatever it can on its part to help towards a solution to the Cyprus issue.

He noted that President of the Republic Demetris Christofias began very decisively the efforts to solve the problem, something that will continue. It does not depend merely on the President of the Republic, he said, adding that primarily it depends on Turkey which holds the key to the solution.

Asked if there is anything specific scheduled for Friday, prompting Downer to refer to a deadline, Stephanou said he did not believe Downer had set a deadline and called on journalists to refer to the UN official for an answer. I believe it has to do with the fact that Friday will be the second of the two all-day meetings between the two leaders on the property issue, he added.

President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu are scheduled to hold two all-day meetings, on the 8th and 10th of September, to discuss the property issue, in the framework of the UN-led direct talks for a Cyprus settlement.

We are expecting that the negotiations will show whether there are any prospects to make progress on the property issue and whether there are prospects, in general, to go forward in the procedure to solve the Cyprus issue, the Spokesman stressed.

To a remark whether the statements that Downer was reported to have made, put pressure on the Greek Cypriot side, Stephanou replied that the President has numerous times indicated that he does not accept any pressure. The Greek Cypriot side, he added, has tabled proposals which are balanced and provide a way out both in efforts to solve the Cyprus issue, and also speed up the dialogue.

We continue to work on these proposals so that they can be implemented and help in the procedure to solve the Cyprus issue, he concluded.

Peace talks began in September 2008 between President Christofias and former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. Talks continue now with Eroglu, who succeeded Talat in April this year.

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

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