Differences remain between the two sides in negotiations to solve the Cyprus problem, President Demetris Christofias said on Wednesday, after a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu. Speaking on his return to the Presidential Palace, after the UN-led meeting, President Christofias said the two sides reiterated their positions, adding that “the differences remain.“ He said the UN have called on the two sides to intensify their efforts so that there is some progress before a scheduled meeting later this month in New York with the UN Secretary General.
President Christofias expressed the readiness of the Greek Cypriot side to proceed “on condition that one side will not wish to impose its will on the other.“ He pointed out that the Turkish side should not withdraw from what has already been agreed, adding that the Greek Cypriot side would be going to New York to repeat its positions and express its goodwill for a solution.
Replying to questions, President Christofias said he would be willing to meet with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and that he has explained in the past that he would even meet with him informally, to explain his vision for a solution of the Cyprus problem, which also covers the Turkish Cypriot community and its interests. “I say that our vision for the reunification of Cyprus, in the framework of a bizonal bicommunal federation, a functional and viable solution, also covers Turkey and its interests,“ he added.