Ongoing Cyprus talks and the problems that are being encountered, the significance of confidence building measures and the upgraded role of the EU in the process were discussed on Wednesday, during a meeting in Brussels between Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The two men had a half-hour meeting, in the sidelines of the EU – Africa Summit. In statements after the meeting, President Anastasiades said that Ban showed understanding, as well as a thorough knowledge of existing problems.

He added that during the meeting, which was held in a friendly and constructive climate, he briefed the UN SG on the course of Cyprus talks and the problems that emerge, avoiding, as he said, to engage in a blame game.

The President said that he pointed to divergences in the positions of the Turkish Cypriot side, even in relation to the joint declaration, the two sides in Cyprus agreed on February 11, paving the way for the resumption of Cyprus talks.

Moreover, President Anastasiades reiterated to Ban that CBMs will contribute significantly in changing the atmosphere, by giving a new push to the dialogue.

I did not omit to repeat that it is of great importance for everybody – both the Turkish Cypriots, as well as the UN – to understand the upgraded role Europe has to play, since the desired Cyprus solution is the evolution of the Republic of Cyprus into a federal state, which will be at the same time an EU member state, the President underlined.

He also noted that his aim was to correct false impressions, without conveying a negative attitude. The President rexplained that talks in Cyprus are at an initial stage which has not been concluded yet, with both sides submitting their proposals. A second stage will follow, involving a more detailed screening of the proposals of each side, the President added.

He said finally that in case the two sides are close to a solution, a third and final stage of the negotiations will take place.

The meeting was also attended by Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides and the Director of the President`s diplomatic office Nicos Christodoulides.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervish Eroglu reached on February 11 an agreement, paving the way for the resumption of Cyprus talks, which aim to reunite the country under a federal roof.