Rival Cypriot leaders meet for direct talks
10th September
Rival Cypriot leaders met for direct talks over the island’s future for the first time in four years, September 3, local press has reported. The largely ceremonial meeting is regarded as an ice-breaker prior to more substantial negotiations which begin September 11th.
Reports suggest that both are committed to a favourable outcome, with President Demetris Christofias having told reporters that the creation of a “bi-zonal, bi-communal federation” represented his “life’s mission.” Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat descry said that he and his counterpart had a “historic responsibility” to find a solution to the seemingly intractable dispute.
Among the sticking points, however, are the issues of power-sharing, security arrangements, and the presence of Turkish troops, and whether the Turkish side will consent to a new crossing point between the two sectors at Limnitis in the island’s northwest.
In March 2007 the Cyprus government surprised observers by opening a crossing at Ledra Street in the capital Nicosia – something the Turkish side had long pushed for. In return the Greeks are anxious to establish a crossing at Limnitis, which would massively speed travelling times between Nicosia and the northwest region, but the Turkish government appears reluctant.
But observers say that despite the enormity of the challenge that lies ahead, the joint credentials of Talat and Christofias are as good as any to attempt it. The chemistry between the two leaders is thought to be excellent and their desire to resolve the issue genuine.
A leading Nicosia political writer told Menas Borders that on the Greek side Christofias was better placed to “sell” a solution to his domestic constituents than any other contemporary politician, and that he enjoyed the backing not only of his party, but also the main opposition groups, but that it would still be difficult.
“The Greek Cypriots are going to be asked to give up a great deal in terms of power-sharing, property and territory,” he said, adding, “but there is an awareness [amongst the Greek side] that if it is to be seen to blame for stalling an agreement, the consequences could be very unwanted,” and include Turkish Cyprus making a concerted effort to seek recognition from the international community. Currently only Turkey recognises Turkish Cypriot independence and statehood.
Rival Cypriot leaders met for direct talks over the island’s future for the first time in four years, September 3, local press has reported. The largely ceremonial meeting is regarded as an ice-breaker prior to more substantial negotiations which begin September 11th.
Reports suggest that both are committed to a favourable outcome, with President Demetris Christofias having told reporters that the creation of a “bi-zonal, bi-communal federation” represented his “life’s mission.” Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat descry said that he and his counterpart had a “historic responsibility” to find a solution to the seemingly intractable dispute.
Among the sticking points, however, are the issues of power-sharing, security arrangements, and the presence of Turkish troops, and whether the Turkish side will consent to a new crossing point between the two sectors at Limnitis in the island’s northwest.
In March 2007 the Cyprus government surprised observers by opening a crossing at Ledra Street in the capital Nicosia – something the Turkish side had long pushed for. In return the Greeks are anxious to establish a crossing at Limnitis, which would massively speed travelling times between Nicosia and the northwest region, but the Turkish government appears reluctant.
But observers say that despite the enormity of the challenge that lies ahead, the joint credentials of Talat and Christofias are as good as any to attempt it. The chemistry between the two leaders is thought to be excellent and their desire to resolve the issue genuine.
A leading Nicosia political writer told Menas Borders that on the Greek side Christofias was better placed to “sell” a solution to his domestic constituents than any other contemporary politician, and that he enjoyed the backing not only of his party, but also the main opposition groups, but that it would still be difficult.
“The Greek Cypriots are going to be asked to give up a great deal in terms of power-sharing, property and territory,” he said, adding, “but there is an awareness [amongst the Greek side] that if it is to be seen to blame for stalling an agreement, the consequences could be very unwanted,” and include Turkish Cyprus making a concerted effort to seek recognition from the international community. Currently only Turkey recognises Turkish Cypriot independence and statehood.