The two leaders in Cyprus focused on Saturday in narrowing the gap between the positions of the two sides, in an effort to achieve for more convergences, in the framework of the negotiations held under the UN auspices.
President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci met on Saturday morning, for about two and a half hours, at the UN-protected area of the now defunct Nicosia airport.
Asked to comment on the content of today`s discussions, Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides told CNA that “a general exchange of views took place on where we stand today, while there was also an exchange of views and planning concerning the next steps”.
He added that “the two negotiators were instructed on the work that needs to be done on their behalf, with particular emphasis on narrowing divergences” between the two sides.
The meeting took place at the residence of the UN Secretary General`s Special Representative in Cyprus, Lisa Buttenheim, in her presence. Negotiators Andreas Mavroyiannis and Ozdil Nami also attended.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-led talks, aiming to reunite the island under a federal roof, resumed last May.
CNA/AGK/MK/2016
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY