TRNC's Talat, Christofias continue comprehensive talks

As part of comprehensive talks on the Cyprus issue which began earlier this month, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot administration leader Demetris Christofias yesterday met in the island's UN-controlled buffer zone to discuss administrative and power-sharing issues towards a just and lasting solution to the issue. Also attending the talks were Special UN Special Cyprus Envoy Alexander Downer and Taye-Brook Zerihoun, chief of UN operations on Cyprus. Afterwards, Downer told reporters that the meeting had gone well, characterizing it as fruitful. "The comprehensive talks are continuing and the two leaders are doing their best," he added. "But there's a long road ahead." Downer also said that Talat and Christofias had agreed not to talk to the press about their meetings. The two leaders will meet later this month to deal with property issues and continue to discuss administration and power-sharing.