In a joint statement released after their last meeting in 2009, held under the framework of direct negotiations aimed at solving the Cyprus problem, Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat also announced the dates of intensified talks to be held in January 2010, the Cypriot press reported.
The meetings will take place on 11-13 and 18-20 January at the residence of the UN's Special Representative to the UN Protected Area. According to their statement, ''in these meetings, the leaders will strive towards more convergence on governance and power-sharing, the economy and EU matters. They also will continue their discussions on the property issue".
Christofias noted that there is no goal of reaching a settlement before April elections in the northern, Turkish-occupied area of Cyprus, and that talks will continue after the "so-called elections" with whoever becomes leader of the Turkish Cypriot community.
Christofias rejected any notion of an interim settlement, noting that there is no such prospect.
Asked about the matter, he said Turkey violates international law, UN principles and human rights conventions.
The press in Cyprus also quoted Christofias as saying that his government is lobbying the international community to put pressure on Turkey to change its stance on the Cyprus problem.
According to the regional press, Derviş Eroglu, the hardline prime minister of the Turkish part of Cyprus - which is only recognised by Turkey - is expected to win the elections and replace Talat, who is seen as a "dove".
"As there will be no deal before the elections, the negotiations have to continue after the elections," Eroglu said, quoted by the Turkish press. The statement appeared to be aimed at dissipating the common belief that his election would call a halt to the reunification talks.
