UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor for Cyprus Alexander Downer informed Monday in Athens Greek Foreign Minister Stavros Lamprinides about the recent developments regarding the Cyprus talks, which aim at reaching a solution of the Cyprus problem.

In statements after the meeting, Downer expressed the view that it is possible to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem, but noted that great efforts are needed to be made on behalf of both sides in Cyprus to bridge their differences, which, as he pointed out, continue to remain.

Downer also referred to a meeting that will take place end of October, in New York, between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus and the UN Secretary General, during which the progress of the Cyprus talks will be discussed, as well as next steps needed to be taken.

Noting the importance of continuing the Cyprus talks, Downer said that the pace of talks should be intensified so that an agreement is reached on the core issues of the Cyprus problem. Furthermore, the UN official said that the achievement of a solution is getting more difficult as time goes by.