President Anastasiades says he keeps doors open to continue negotiations on Cyprus
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades says he wants to keep the doors open and thinks the ongoing process for a Cyprus settlement can yield the results both communities anticipate “provided they observe what has been agreed”.
Speaking on Thursday at the Greek Embassy in Nicosia, after signing a book of condolences for former President of the Hellenic Republic Constantinos Stefanopoulos, the President of Cyprus referred to the National Council, that convened earlier today, noting that it was a constructive meeting, held amid broader consensus.
He noted, moreover, that the impasse in settlement talks is a concern for all and added that a second session of the top advisory body to the President (the National Council) will be held in order to examine future steps.
The most recent intensive round of talks in Mont Pelerin, Switzerland, between President Anastasiades and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mustafa Akinci ended inconclusively earlier this week.
“We are not going to remain idle,” the President underlined and said that he was briefing all interested players on the events that led to the impasse. “What is required is patience, serenity and decisiveness” he pointed out.
According to a series of tweets by Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides, the President of Cyprus held on Thursday a series of telephone conversations with European leaders and other foreign officials, concerning developments in Cyprus settlement talks. He spoke in particular with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister Theresa May and the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
In addition, he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, with whom he also discussed the fires that burn throughout Israel.
President Anastasiades announced that he would also talk later on Thursday with Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Peace talks aim at finding a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.