Follow the mail on Twitter.

• +
• -
• Text size

Related content

Topic tags

Cyprus

President Demetris Christofias with UN special envoy Alexander Downer (centre) and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu (right)

PRESIDENT Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu yesterday broke the ice over a social dinner, one day ahead of the resumption of peace talks.
The meeting, the first since Eroglu became leader of the Turkish Cypriots last month, was held in the buffer zone in Nicosia near the Ledra Palace hotel at the popular Chateau Status restaurant.
The dinner, instigated by Eroglu and accepted by Christofias, was hosted by UN Secretary-general Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer.
Other guests at the strictly social event were the two leaders’ wives, as well as their advisers George Iacovou and Kudret Ozersay and their spouses. UN translators were available if necessary although Downer told reporters Eroglu’s command of the English language was good. 
Although reporters, press photographers and TV crew camped outside the restaurant well ahead of the 8pm rendezvous, it was made clear earlier in the day that no press would be allowed inside nor would any statements be made at the evening’s conclusion.
Nevertheless leaving the restaurant last night Christofias told reporters the two leaders had had a “friendly meeting” and that although it was the first social meeting between them, it was certainly not the last.
“We spoke like people, about the past, the present and the future. From this aspect we had a very good time,” he said, turning to thank Downer for the evening.
Christofias said another aspect that had brought both sides closer was the fact that their wives shared similar pain.
He said: “They both have missing brothers, something that brings them closer and of course brings us closer… This pain must end. Our country must be reunited. I don’t want to talk politics right now given that this evening was spent on a social basis and so we should remain here and from tomorrow we’ll talk politics.”
Downer also concurred the evening had been a huge success and that both couples had gotten on well. The UN envoy said politics had not been discussed over dinner but that it had been more of an opportunity for both leaders and their advisers, as well as their wives, to get to know one another.
Earlier in the evening, Downer, who is believed to have selected the wine list for the evening’s menu, arrived at the restaurant first, followed by Iacovou. Of the two leaders’ Eroglu and his wife Meral arrived first, followed five minutes later by Christofias and his wife Elsi. As each leader and his spouse arrived at the sandstone establishment they were shown into the restaurant and the door closed behind them.
Bombarded by reporters Eroglu was succinct when asked what he expected from the evening. “A social event,” he said.
Christofias was no more forthcoming when his turn came answer the same question posed by newsmen hungry for some insight into the evening’s itinerary.
“To see one another, to get to know each other. Tomorrow we have the first meeting, the official one. Tonight is an unofficial dinner,” Christofias said.
A few minutes after both leaders arrived, the restaurant doors re-opened and each couple emerged behind Downer. The two leaders shook hands with each other and then exchanged handshakes with the UN envoy. The atmosphere seemed jovial and both Christofias and Eroglu appeared relaxed and in good humour as they smiled and laughed for the cameras. The leaders’ wives also shook hands with each other before the small group went back into the restaurant for their meal. Reports said poultry, fish and meat was on the menu followed by fruit, ice-cream and pastries for dessert.
Speaking to reporters yesterday morning ahead of the dinner, Downer said he was “looking forward” to hosting the two leaders.
He said: “It is an opportunity for the two leaders to come to know each other, they are bringing their wives together, so it is a good way of helping to build a personal relationship between them and their spouses… There is great virtue in people knowing each other personally, it is not just a matter of their negotiating positions and conducting negotiations but I think there is virtue in building good personal relationships so I think they will get on pretty well, it should be good.”
Downer told reporters no statements would be issued following the dinner as it was “purely a social event”.
“It is not an event where there is going to be discussion on political, well they can talk about what they like, the objective is not to have a discussion on political issues but to simply get to know each other now,” he said.
Negotiation talks are set to resume at 10am today between the two leaders.