The President of the Republic received Mr Alexander Downer
The United Nations look forward to hosting Mr Christofias and Mr Eroglou at the dinner tonight and to resuming the talks tomorrow, UN Secretary General’ s Special Adviser on Cyprus Mr Alexander Downer said today, adding that a solution to the Cyprus question is within the grasp of the two leaders.
In his statements to the press after being received by the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias, at the Presidential Palace, Mr Downer said "I will be meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Dervis Eroglou later in the afternoon".
Asked about tonight’s dinner that both leaders will attend, Mr Downer said: "It is an opportunity for the two leaders to come to know each other and they are bringing their wives with them, and it is a good way of helping to build a personal relationship between them and their spouses. I always think that is worthwhile and that there is great virtue in people knowing each other personally. It's not just a matter of their negotiating positions in conducting negotiations I think they will get on pretty well.’’
He added: "It is purely going to be a social event. They can talk about what they like but it is not the objective to have a discussion about political issues but to simply get to know each other now. They are going to be spending a lot of time tomorrow so they may as well get off to a good start though a nice meal."
Asked about tomorrow’s agenda at the negotiations he said: "The first issue the leaders want to address is the property question, but how this will be handled, we will deal with that tomorrow."
Replying to a question on whether he believes that a solution is doable he said: "Yes I believe a solution is doable, it is certainly within their grasp, no doubt of that, but to achieve an agreement will require a great deal of political courage, strength by both sides, and a determination to make sure that they are able to strike an agreement. If they do, there will be a sense of great relief throughout the island and, more broadly, through the international community, and they can do it. It is certainly possible."
