WORKING GROUPS AND TECHNICAL COMMITTEES TO START STUDIES ON 7 APRIL

President Mehmet Ali Talat’s Special Representative for UN and EU talks Ozdil Nami stated that the target date set for the formation of working groups and technical committees and the start of studies was 7 April.

Pointing out that the working groups which would take up the basic elements and substantive issues of the Cyprus problem would spend effort to bring the two side’s positions closer Nami said however it was the two leaders who would carry out the main negotiations and conclude the issues.

Evaluating the latest point reached with regard to the studies carried out by him and Greek Cypriot adviser George Iacovou, Nami said his meeting with Iacovou took place in a constructive and cordial atmosphere.

Explaining that there wasn’t any condition for establishing all the working groups and technical committees at the same time, Nami said: “The ones which are ready will start studies. Our aim is to establish all of them as soon as possible. The studies will start with this understanding”.

Ozdil Nami noted that the working groups and technical committees would carry out joint meetings where the UN officials would also be present at the Lefkosa International Airport in the UN-controlled buffer zone.

Nami added that they had not yet discussed how many people would be on each committee but the principle was to include the equal number of people.

 

BRITISH MINISTER IN CHARGE OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS MURPHY AND SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO CYPRUS RYAN MEET TURKISH CYPRIOTS IN LONDON

MURPHY: “WE HAVE CONCENTRATED OUR ENERGY FOR SOLUTION…”

British Minister in Charge of European Affairs Jim Murphy stated that his country was in favor of the reunification of Cyprus and it concentrated its energy for the solution of the Cyprus problem. Murphy added that they were not thinking of failure and did not have any B or C plans.

Speaking at a gathering in North London where Turkish Cypriots are densely populated Murphy gave important messages prior to his coming visit to Turkey on Monday (31 March).

Explaining that the Cyprus problem was the priority issue on his agenda, Murphy said he was ready to spend every effort for the solution of the problem. Murphy stressed that Britain feels great responsibility on the Cyprus issue as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, a member of the European Union and one of the three guarantor powers in Cyprus.

Reminding that many British people are living in Cyprus, Murphy said his country focused on a bi-communal, bi-zonal solution on the island and is planning to bring together Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot diaspora in Britain.

Murphy added that Britain should also invite President Mehmet Ali Talat to the country following the invitation of Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias.