Presidents Barroso and Van Rompuy welcomed this as a solid foundation for resumption of negotiations for a fair and viable comprehensive settlement of the long-standing Cyprus problem.

Nicosia,11 February – Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Derviş Eroğlu met today in Nicosia at UN premises and issued a substantial Joint Declaration to frame the negotiations, in suspension since spring 2012.

Presidents Barroso and Van Rompuy welcomed this as a solid foundation for resumption of negotiations for a fair and viable comprehensive settlement of the long-standing Cyprus problem. The European Commission committed to contribute actively to the search for constructive solutions in compliance with the EU acquis to overcome outstanding problems.

In parallel, the Commission will also step up its efforts to help the Turkish Cypriot community prepare for implementation of the acquis.