Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades briefed today the National Council, the top advisory body to the President comprising leaders of parliamentary parties, on the latest developments in UN-led peace talks aiming at reuniting the country, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

 

Deputy Government Spokesman Victoras Papadopoulos said after the four-hour long meeting that party leaders will not accompany the President to Mont Pelerin, for the talks, scheduled to take place between 7-11 November.

 

“There was an exchange of views, followed by dialogue in relation to the November talks. The Council also discussed the stance of the Greek Cypriot side on issues which may arise at the talks,” Papadopoulos added.

 

He announced that prior to the talks in Switzerland the National Council committee will meet, under the negotiator of the Greek Cypriot side Andreas Mavroyiannis, to have an in depth discussion on the issue of territory.

 

The President will be accompanied to Switzerland by members of his negotiating team and his close aides.

 

“President Anastasiades briefed the party leaders in detail on what has happened since the last Council meeting. Members of the Council analysed the regional and international environment in which the talks are taking place. Party leaders outlined their views and positions, expressed their concerns and put forward their proposals,” Papadopoulos said.

 

Invited to comment on serious reservations expressed by party leaders that the issue of security and guarantee may be linked to the issue of territory, he said that this is a matter which has been clarified in New York.

 

“The moves made and the tactics and strategy followed all this time has convinced people, in New York as well, that the two issues will be discussed separately,” he pointed out.

 

Discussions in Mont Pelerin will concentrate on territory and some other pending issues, some other points and disagreements on other matters, he concluded.

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