UN envoy points March 2012 as posible new deadline for Cyprus talks

March 2012 may be a new deadline for concluding talks to reunite Cyprus, according to Special UN Cyprus Envoy Alexander Downer. As of that date it will be difficult for Greek Cypriots to both prepare for their turn at the European Union presidency and conduct talks with Turkish Cypriots to reunite the island, Downer said in a weekend interview with Greek daily Kathimerini. Greek Cyprus will be EU president in July-December 2012. Downer declined to name any date as a deadline for the Cyprus talks, saying instead the talks should be concluded as soon as possible. Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders have been holding talks towards reunification since 2008 but with little progress. Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots want a quick end to talks, while the Greek Cypriots reject any timetable. The Cypriot leaders are due to meet with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in June.