Ansastasiades meets with new UNSG Colin Stewart

President Nicos Anastasiades held his first meeting today with Colin Stewart, the new UNSG`s Special Representative and head of the UN peacekeeping force on the island (UNFICYP).  Mr. Stewart assumed his duties this week after the departure of Elizabeth Spehar.

The meeting, which was scheduled this morning at 9 am at the Presidential Palace, is a chance for the 2 to get acquainted.  The president will also brief the UN Official about the positions of the Greek Cypriot side as regards the resumption of the negotiating process for a Cyprus settlement as well as his participation in the planned reception to be held at Ledra Palace on the 14th of December in honor of Mr. Stewart's arrival on the island.

Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, will meet Stewart later in the afternoon at 1500.  According to sources, Mr. Tatatr also accepted the invitation to attend the reception on Tuesday.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Numerous rounds of talks under the UN aegis to reunite the island under a federal roof have, so far, failed to yield results.

Source: CNA