Tripartite Cyprus Meet: UNSG Priorities Japan, Libya

A tri-partite meeting between Cyprus' leaders and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon will only happen if there is 'something really useful' to be done, amid international emergencies in Libya and Japan, said UN Special Adviser Alexander Downer.

"You can think of the tsunami and the earthquake and the nuclear power station issue in Japan. The Secretary-General is thinking about all of these things, so there is not much point in having a meeting any time soon," said Downer after the 100th Cyprus leaders' meeting yesterday (March 18th).

During the meeting, there were 'differences of opinion expressed' on the issue of citizenship, said Downer.

"Both leaders agreed that what they would do is they would refer the issue to the Representatives who will discuss this on Tuesday [22 March], when they meet at the UN offices at 10 am," said Downer.

The leaders have scheduled their next meeting on the issue of citizenship next Wednesday 23rd March at 9.30am, he said.

In comments on the issue of citizenship, Downer said that in the case that the leaders decide to do a census, that the United Nations Population Agency (UNFPA) could offer expert advice.
 
"I have made that point to both Mr Christofias and Mr Eroglu separately," said Downer.

He did not divulge what the leaders' responses were: "it’s not for me to transmit records of conversation.  I am a very discreet person," he said.

The latest round of reunification talks have been going on since 2008.