UN envoy Downer sees now as best chance for Cyprus reunification

30/07/2008

NICOSIA, Cyprus -- UN special envoy Alexander Downer said on Tuesday (July 29th) the current situation in Cyprus offers the best chance to reunify the island after 34 years of division. "Developments in recent months have fostered a genuine sense that prospects have perhaps never been better to achieve a comprehensive settlement," he said at a news conference in the buffer zone after meeting Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. Downer expressed encouragement over what he heard during talks with them, saying "Clearly you have two leaders who are sincere in their commitment and their engagement to move forward together towards a solution." Downer is wrapping up his first trip to the island since being appointed envoy on July 12th.

In other news, Cypriot Education Minister Andreas Dimitriou said authorities would revise Greek Cypriot history textbooks to help build understanding with the Turkish Cypriot community. "The changes will compensate for some omissions concerning the island's turbulent recent history," he said. (Hurriyet, Turkish Press, CNA, Philelefteros, AFP, AP, Reuters - 29/07/08)

Latest News

Hague prosecutors consider combining Karadzic, Mladic trials

31/05/2011

Peter Sorensen to head EU delegation in BiH

31/05/2011

Serbian farmers protest cuts in subsidies

31/05/2011

Dacic says Serbia does not face suspension of visa free regime

31/05/2011

Privatisation plans spur more protests in Greece

31/05/2011

Kosovars convicted of drug trafficking, organised crime

31/05/2011

Kosovo's agreement with IMF at risk

31/05/2011

Albania ranks second in Europe for smoking rate

31/05/2011

Shifts cause Romania's ruling coalition to briefly lose Senate majority

31/05/2011

Turkey's Davutoglu says government cannot prevent another aid flotilla to Gaza

31/05/2011

Turkey's Erdogan visits Georgia

31/05/2011

We welcome your comments on SETimes's articles.

It is our hope that you will use this forum to interact with other readers across Southeast Europe. In order to keep this experience interesting, we ask you to follow the rules outlined in the comments policy. By submitting comments, you are consenting to these rules. While SETimes.com encourages discussion on all subjects, including sensitive ones, the comments posted are solely the views of those submitting them. SETimes.com does not necessarily endorse or agree with the ideas, views, or opinions voiced in these comments. SETimes.com welcomes constructive discussion but discourages the use of copy-pasted materials, unaccompanied links and one-line slogans. This is a moderated forum. Comments deemed abusive, offensive, or those containing profanity may not be published.

SETimes's Comments Policy