Nicosia: No connection between Kerry`s visit and the Cyprus’ talks
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides said on Saturday that efforts are underway to set a new date for US Secretary of State John Kerry`s visit to Cyprus.
Asked about the postponement of John Kerry`s visit to Cyprus, which was scheduled to take place on November 14-15, the Spokesman said that the government was informed on Friday that the visit had to be postponed due to developments in Syria and a possible meeting in Vienna on the Syrian issue.
Efforts have begun to determine a new date for the visit, he said, adding that it will probably take place before the end of the year.
He also said that the US side proposed two other dates, one in November and one in December, however these are not convenient for the Cypriot side, since Cyprus President Nicos Anastassiades will be abroad.
The Spokesman dismissed any connection between the postponement of Kerry`s visit and developments in Cyprus` negotiations.
Asked about the ongoing Cyprus talks, the Spokesman said that the President of the Republic will brief the political parties on the negotiations after the conclusion of the intensified round of talks, which takes place this month.
What is important is for the negotiations to bear fruit, he said, adding that if there is an outcome after the six UN-led meetings between Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci in November, then the President of the Republic will proceed to relevant announcements.
The two leaders, he said, will issue a statement after the conclusion of their meetings, by the end of November. Anastasiades and Akinci have already met twice this month and will meet again on the 18, 20, 23 and 25 of November. The Spokesman said that during the first two meetings the two sides discussed about the issues of properties, governance and citizenship.
He pointed out that “there are differences for which arguments must be presented, and maybe they need to negotiate hard in order to have results.”
Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN backed talks between Anastasiades and Akinci began in May this year aiming to reunify the island under a federal roof.
CNA/AGK/AARMK/2015
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY