Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has stressed that direct negotiations will begin when the appropriate conditions are met, adding that it is important to clarify the negotiating basis and the framework of the solution.
In statements in view of tomorrows meeting between the President of the Republic Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot Leader Mehmet Ali Talat, Stephanou noted that the meeting takes place in line with the May 23 joint communiqu?, agreed by the two leaders.
The objective is to review and assess the work done so far in working groups and technical committees, he said, referring to the work of bicommunal teams of experts which have been engaged in discussions on day to day concerns and core issues of the Cyprus question, to prepare the ground for direct negotiations between Christofias and Talat.
Direct negotiations will start if and when the prerequisites are met. What is important at this stage is to clarify the basis of the negotiations and the framework of the Cyprus solution, he said.
He explained that the basis is founded on what has been agreed between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities on a bizonal, bicommunal feredation which provides for political equality, as this is defined by the relevant UN resolutions.
The aim, he added, is through a solution to see the Republic of Cyprus evolve into a Federal United Republic of Cyprus, bizonal and bicommunal, with one sovereignty, one citizenship and one international personality, as it is envisaged in a series of UN resolutions and decisions.
Replying to questions, he called for patience until Tuesdays meeting and noted that the process of negotiations is in the hands of the two community leaders, something the UN support, as he added.
Stephanou recalled that another meeting between the two leaders is pending in July.
Cyprus News Agency, 30/06/08
