Turkish Cypriot illegal Bayrak television (30.06.11, online) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias met within the framework of direct talks aimed at reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem. Today’s meeting, the last one ahead of next week’s summit in Geneva focused on police issues, external relations as well as the forthcoming Geneva meeting.

The two leaders also instructed their special representatives Kudret Ozersay and George Iacovou to meet this Saturday to conclude discussions on the issues.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Eroglu expressed the belief that a convergence paper could emerge from Saturday’s meeting between the special representatives.

Stating that his team had put forward converging proposals at today’s meeting, Eroglu said he believed the Greek Cypriot side will seriously take up these proposals.

Touching upon the Geneva meeting, Eroglu said that it is possible that the UN Secretary General will put forward several ideas towards motivating the two sides towards a solution.

Responding to a question on Greek Cypriot press reports concerning the return of Famagusta [closed off area of Varosha] Eroglu said that such an issue was not on their agenda. “Maras is part of a comprehensive solution. The issues are inseparable. I don’t believe Maras will be on the agenda in the coming days” he added.

Responding to another question, Eroglu repeated his position: “We support the intensification of the talks after the Geneva meeting. The expected intensification of the talks after the second summit meeting did not take place because of the elections in south Cyprus. Perhaps a more intensive negotiations process awaits us after next week’s meeting. Everyone has understood that the process can’t go on like this anymore. I believe the problem can only be solved through timeframes and deadlines”.