The two sides are not far from concluding the chapter of territorial adjustments, Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades has said.

Anastasiades` comments came as he and Mustafa Akinci, the Turkish Cypriot leader, will attend a new meeting in Mont Pelerin, Switzerland in context of the UN-sponsored talks for a settlement to the Cyprus problem, focusing on the chapter of territorial adjustments.

“I want to believe that the dialogue and the ongoing process will be a success if, apart from rhetoric, Turkey will actively contribute to the effort we are exerting,” he said addressing an event of Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB).

He did not give further details as he will brief the political leaders over the five-day intensive dialogue in Mont Pelerin on 7-11 November.

“However, I believe we are not far from concluding the great issue of territory which is attached and connected with property,” he said.

Furthermore, in statements, Anastasiades said he will fully inform the political leadership over last week`s talks Mont Pelerin during separate meetings with each party leader on Sunday.

The President noted that these meetings will be an opportunity for a better exchange of views. He also said that he adjourned the meeting in Switzerland in order to fulfil his promise to political leaders that he will not continue before informing them, something which “reflects the respect I have for all”.

He also referred to his visit to the Greek capital, Athens, on Wednesday and Thursday, where he is going to inform Greece`s political leadership on developments.

Earlier on Monday, the President had a telephone conversation with US Vice President Joe Biden. According to Anastasiades, Biden displayed once ore his particular interest for Cyprus and for a settlement. He went on to say that he explained the situation to Biden, asking him for continued US interest for the important chapters that follow.

The President was also asked to comment on statements from the Turkish Cypriot side ahead of the new meeting in Mont Pelerin,on Sunday, November 20. The President said that the aim was to reach an agreement in the criteria for territorial adjustments, reflected in maps. In that case, he went on, it is possible to determine a date for a multilateral conference.

President Anastasiades and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Mustafa Akinci went last week to Mont Pelerin with their aides to negotiate, under the UN auspices, the issue of territory and other outstanding issues. Talks in Switzerland wrapped up on November 11, with a view to continue next Sunday for three more days.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Anastasiades and Akinci have been engaged in UN-led negotiations since May last year, with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.

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