President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias has asked European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso to exert his influence on Turkey, for the country to put more reasonable positions on the negotiating table, so that progress can be achieved towards a solution of the Cyprus problem.

The President, who met with the Commission President on Friday on the sidelines of the European Council in Brussels, said that Barroso assured him that he is in contact with the Turkish side and will convey his wish on the Turkish leadership.

President Christofias briefed Barroso on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem as well as the forthcoming Geneva meeting on July 7 between the Cypriot President, Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.

The President said he expressed his readiness for achieving convergence until the last moment before Geneva, especially on international treaties, the role of the federal government and the federal units, as well as internal security and police.