"Progress in the negotiations on the Cyprus issue"

According to the special adviser to the UN Secretary General "Progress has been made" on the Cyprus issue during the negotiations that took place between October 30 and 31, at the "Greentree" mansions complex, in the Manhattan area, on Long Island, New York… This was stated by the special adviser of the general secretary United Nations, Alexander Downer, briefing the Security Council of the international organization today.

Mr Downer told reporters after the briefing that there were "encouraging prospects", essentially reiterating what he had said in his statement. last Tuesday.

"I was able to tell them what in my opinion were the issues in which progress was made and what the problems were, in order to give them an idea of ​​the future, of what will happen in the coming weeks in Cyprus and what prospects there are for Greentree , where we will meet again (in mid-January) "noted Mr. Downer.

Answering various questions, among other things, he stressed that, during the talks, "nothing dramatic happened" and "the two sides give their own interpretations of what happened there".

He also noted that "progress has been made" in "Greentree", but as he characteristically stressed: "There are still difficult issues that need to be resolved. We are pleased that progress has been made. "Both sides made a real effort, but there is still work to be done, otherwise they would not go to Cyprus and then return in January."

The Special Advisor of the Secretary General "The two leaders believe they can reach an agreement and the Secretary-General was encouraged to hear that," he said, adding that "I am sure the Security Council was pleased."

Asked about the change in the way the negotiation process takes place, with the introduction of close talks, Mr. Downer said: "No one wants an agreement more than the Cypriots themselves and any agreement will be theirs. Source: newsbeast.gr