Special Adviser of the UN Secretary General on Cyprus, Alexander Downer, said that next week, the form of the talks that are due to resume for a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem, will be shaped.

Speaking after his meeting with Greek Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Evangelos Venizelos in Athens, Downer said that his discussion with Venizelos was “very useful and productive” and took place at a time that is marked with expectations and determination for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

This determination, he added is ascertained by both sides in Cyprus, as well as Greece and Turkey and the UN Secretary General.

Regarding the negotiations procedure, Downer said that next week, the form of the talks will be shaped, noting that the substance is not only that matters but also the procedure.

During his meeting with Venizelos, there was an exchange of views regarding the progress made recently in preparations for the resumption of the negotiating procedure to solve the Cyprus problem, in particular after the acceptance of the proposal of President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, for separate meetings of the representatives of the Greek and Turkish Foreign Ministries with the negotiators of the two communities in Cyprus.

Venizelos reiterated Greece’s support for the Secretary-General’s mission of good offices and Downer’s efforts, adding that Greece welcomes the proposals for confidence building measures tabled by President Anastasiades last week, on the basis of which a new dynamic for a solution can be created.

The Greek Vice President said that the Cyprus issue is primarily a matter of respect of principles and international law regulations and for this reason, its solution should be in line with UN Security Council resolutions, the acquis communautaire and the will of the people of Cyprus which will be expressed through a resolution.

Cyprus, an EU member since 2004, has been divided when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third in 1974. The latest round of UN-backed negotiations between the two communities began in 2008 but resulted to a deadlock when the Turkish Cypriot side in July 2012, interrupted the talks and objected to Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the EU. A new round of talks is expected to begin in the coming months with the aim to reunite the island under a federal roof.