11th March 2010, 03:31 pm
Earlier today, Alexander Downer sat down with Bayrak Radio and Television (BRT) reporter Yurdakul Cafer to talk about the progress made and challenges remaining in the Cyprus negotiations. Speaking from the BRT studios, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser underscored that “there have been substantial convergences in a number of areas” in the talks and from the standpoint of the United Nations “the leaders have done a pretty good job” in the current round of meetings. Responding to a question about the upcoming election in the north of Cyprus, Mr Downer reaffirmed that the UN did not get involved in the politics of the island, but rather was here to do what it could “to help the Cypriots agree to the establishment of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with political equality and with a single international personality”.
“That’s our mission”, he added.
5th March 2010, 04:43 pm
The Republic of Cyprus is not exactly known as a winter-sports powerhouse, but the country regularly sends athletes to the Olympic winter games. It did so again this year, entering two athletes in the slalom competition in Vancouver. Cyprus was not expecting to win a medal, of course, but I think Cypriots can still claim a piece of Olympic glory. That’s because, as I was very excited to learn, the father of fellow Australian Lydia Lassila, winner of the gold in the women’s aerials (acrobatic skiing), is a Cypriot. With her medal, Lydia helped Australia deliver its best performance ever at a winter Olympics. By the way, Lassila is Lydia’s married name.
AD
5th March 2010, 04:38 pm
Alexander Downer is set to travel to Ankara on Monday, 8 March, for talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and other officials. Mr. Downer will be back in Cyprus on Tuesday, 9 March. Last week the Special Adviser traveled to Athens, where he met Alternate Foreign Minister Demetris Droutsas, among others.
