Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Wednesday that it was "apparent that there was not much progress in Cyprus talks."

Commenting on the joint statement released by Alexander Downer, the special adviser of the UN Secretary General on Cyprus following the meeting of TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat with Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias, Eroglu said, "we are going through important days. There is very little time for the presidency election. Cyprus negotiations stopped because of the election."

In the joint statement with the leaders following the five-hour meeting, Downer said the leaders agreed to inform their communities on the negotiation process,and the parties made significant progress on the titles of "Administration and Share of Power", "EU Affairs" and "Economy".

Downer reiterated that their desire was to reach a comprehensive solution acceptable for both parties.


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