Nicosia, 1 February 2017 - Today, the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Mustafa Akıncı, and the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, met in the United Nations Protected Area (UNPA) under the auspices of the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General (SASG) on Cyprus, Mr. Espen Barth Eide. The two leaders were accompanied by their negotiators, Mr. Özdil Nami and Mr. Andreas Mavroyannis.

The leaders took stock of developments since the Conference on Cyprus was convened in Geneva on 12 January and the subsequent session that was held at the level of deputies in Mont Pèlerin on 18-19 January. They underscored their strong resolve and determination to maintain the current momentum.

In line with the statement of the Conference on Cyprus of 12 January, the leaders decided on the way forward for the negotiations. In this regard, they have decided on the following:

a) They will meet weekly through the month of February to address outstanding issues;

b) The negotiators will also continue their regular meetings; and

c) The leaders requested the United Nations to prepare, in consultation with the guarantor powers, for the continuation of the Conference on Cyprus at political level in early March.

The next leaders’ meeting will be held on 9 February 2017.