Top UN diplomat optimistic over Cyprus talks
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Top UN official Lynn Pascoe said on Monday he was optimistic progress could be made in Cyprus reunification talks after arriving on the island for a three-day visit to offer his support, AFP reported.
Pascoe, the US head of the UN Department of Political Affairs, held talks with greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias on Monday before crossing the UN-patrolled ceasefire line to meet Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.
Asked by reporters after his meeting with Christofias whether he was optimistic that a solution could finally be found to the islands three-decade division, Pascoe replied: "I'm always optimistic." Pascoe wants to "determine how the United Nations can assist efforts to reach a settlement on the island".
Greek Cypriot spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said Pascoe was fully briefed on the Greek Cypriot position and Christofias' readiness to negotiate a settlement. "The president gave the Greek Cypriot community's position on a Cyprus solution and reiterated his willingness to work hard to achieve this aim as soon as possible," the spokesman told AFP reporters.
"A solution should be based on principles and meet certain specifications so it can be just, viable and functional in the best interests of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots," he added.
Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders agreed last week to re-open the Ledra crossing in a gesture of goodwill, and restart peace negotiations in three months. The crossing point will be sixth in the island. Last week, a UN team swept the area for explosives and Greek and Turkish Cypriot crews moved in to remove debris to make room for a paved walk-way.
Pascoe later on Monday met Talat. Top UN official said they held a positive meeting with Talat, Anatolian Agency reported. Pascoe is scheduled to meet Talat on April 2 once again, Anatolian Agency reported. He is also due to visit both Athens and Ankara in April as part of his efforts to help the reunification talks, AFP reported.
Hasan Ercakica, spokesman for Talat, said the Turkish leader conveyed Turkish Cypriots' expectations during his meeting with UN delegation. "We underscored that we expect UN to get involved more actively in this new process," Ercakica quoted as saying by the AA. Ercakica added that no date was set for the opening of the Ledra Gate.
On March 21, Talat and Christofias met and agreed to set up working groups and technical committees which will work for three months for comprehensive negotiations between Turkish and Greek Cypriot administration.