The UN Secretary General`s Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer has painted a positive picture on the course of talks to solve the Cyprus problem, during a briefing of the UN Security Council members on the latest developments, through a teleconference. According to Security Council sources, Downer`s briefing was “sincere“ and covered issues that included the latest report by the UN Secretary General on his good offices mission and all that has been said during the meetings of the leaders of the two communities. He also answered questions.

The same sources said Downer pointed out that the July meeting in Geneva between the UN chief and the leaders of the two communities was fruitful, since the talks have been intensified, and praised the commitment of the leaders and their engagement to the “tough aspects“ of the problem.

However, he noted that time was an issue, since the leaders of the two communities had an option, either to solve the problem now or miss what may be the best chance to do so.

Downer said that the UN chief will summon the leaders of the two communities in late October and hopes that convergences will have been achieved by then.

After that, the UN Secretary General and his associates will evaluate the situation and decide on the next steps.