President Mehmet Ali Talat and the Greek Cypriot Leader Dimitris Christofias met yesterday within the framework of direct negotiations aimed at finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. While the two leaders held a tete-a-tete meeting which lasted for nearly two hours, their special representatives continue to carry out work on details of the economy chapter.
Speaking to reporters upon his return to the Presidential Palace, President Talat said that the Greek Cypriot Side had presented them a document outlining their general outlook on the economy chapter following his face-to-face meeting with the Greek Cypriot leader.
Talat said that talks will resume with the chapter on territory. Responding to a question as to whether or not the issue of opening a crossing point in Yesilirmak was discussed at the meeting, the President said that the two special representatives will continue to work on the issue. He also said that they had agreed not to talk on the content of the work being carried out.
Asked whether or not the issue of a US company exploring oil off the coast of South Cyprus was discussed, the President said that the Turkish Cypriot Side's position on this issue was clear. "We have nothing to discuss with the Greek Cypriot leader if this is the situation reached. That is why I did not open the subject" the President replied.
Greek Cypriot Leader Christofias made a statement yesterday and said that the Yesilirmak Gate issue shall be discussed with more details.