SPOKESMAN CYPRUS TALKS
Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou urged Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu to stop communication tricks, after accusing the Greek Cypriot side of pulling back on agreed issues.
Commenting on statements that Eroglu made on Thursday after the meeting in the framework of the direct talks, Stephanou, speaking after the Cabinet meeting, said the Greek Cypriot side could have made statements about the contents of the negotiations, about which Eroglu would not be happy.
We are not happy with the contents of the negotiations, Stephanou said, adding that if there was constructive attitude by all, with dedication to the agreed basis towards a bizonal, bicommunal federation, then there would have been bigger progress.
He said the Greek Cypriot side would not make similar statements since it wishes to continue the constructive stance, which President of the Republic Demetris Christofias maintains on the negotiating table so that there is mutual respect.
In addition, he said the Greek Cypriot side wants to help the negotiations to continue to reach a mutually agreed solution to the Cyprus issue, in the framework of the agreed basis, which is the bizonal, bicommunal federation.
Asked if developments in Greece undermine the Greek Cypriot sides position in view of the Geneva meeting next month with the UN Secretary-General, Stephanou replied, Surely not.
The meeting with the SC, he added, has to do with the course of the Cyprus problem, adding that a bicommunal dialogue is in progress.
The President, he said, maintains a constructive stance on the negotiating table which is consistent with the principles of a solution to the Cyprus issue, as these are defined in UN resolutions, the principles of international and EU law and the High level agreements of 1977-79.
He further added that President Christofias is undertaking initiatives since there is a real desire to find a solution to the Cyprus issue the soonest possible.
UN-backed direct negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem began in September 2008. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
