Talat, Christofias reportedly agree in principle on single sovereignty on Cyprus

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot administration leader Dimitris Christofias yesterday held a key meeting to see if the groundwork has been laid for starting a new peace initiative to end the division on the island. "The two leaders met today in a positive and cooperative atmosphere," said Taye-Brook Zerihoun, the UN secretary-general's special envoy for Cyprus. "They discussed the issues of single sovereignty and citizenship, on which they agreed in principle." He said Talat and Christofias reviewed the work of expert committees from both sides that have been meeting since April to prepare for direct negotiations between the two leaders. He added that they also agreed to hold another preparatory meeting on July 25.