Garoyian: No substantive progress at Cyprus talks so far

(TGA News) - NEW YORK.- President of the House of Representatives Marios Garoyian has said that, despite the sincere political will and the constructive initiatives on behalf of the Greek Cypriot side, no substantive progress has been achieved so far at the negotiating table on the Cyprus issue.

Garoyian, who held a meeting on Thursday with his Maltese counterpart Louis Galea, expressed the gratitude of Cyprus for the support of Malta regarding the Cyprus problem and informed his Maltese counterpart about recent developments in the Cyprus issue.

He also referred to the continuous efforts of the Greek Cypriot side for the achievement of an agreed, just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem, according to the UN Security Council resolutions and the EU principles and values.

“Unfortunately”, Garoyian added, “Ankara holds the key for the solution of the Cyprus problem and Turkey insists on unacceptable positions for a solution based on a confederation and two separate states”.

Referring to the ongoing talks between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, which began last September, Garoyian pointed out that “despite the sincere political will and the constructive initiatives on behalf of the Greek Cypriot side, no substantive progress has been achieved so far”.

The Maltese official, who is currently in Cyprus for the UN International Meeting in Support of Israeli-Palestinian Peace, referred to the UN meeting which took place in Nicosia and expressed conviction that parliamentary diplomacy could further contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the Mediterranean region and help international efforts to reach a solution of the Middle East problem.

According to an official press release, Garoyian and Galea also exchanged views on ways to further promote bilateral relations.

Garoyian extended an invitation to Galea to pay an official visit to Cyprus.

The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, President of the Republic Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, began in early September 2008 direct negotiations with a view to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem and reunite the island, which has been divided since the Turkish invasion of 1974.