LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Dervis Eroglu has discussed the Cyprus issue with Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades in a UN buffer zone on the island.
In a two-and-a-half-hour meeting on Monday hosted by Lisa Buttenheim, the head of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, both parties said they had discussed each other's plans for a solution to the long-standing dispute in detail and hoped to pass to a new level of negotiation as soon as possible.
Eroglu, saying it was the Greek Cypriot side that was putting confidence-building measures forward, said that such steps would only be valuable when they were on issues equally important for both sides.
The TRNC president also said that the two sides decided to meet whenever there was a need, instead of having only monthly meetings.
"I can say I am happy with today's negotiations," said Eroglu after the talks.
Anastasiades said more dialogue was required on all elements of the Cyprus issue in order to reach a successful solution.
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