Verklaring Barroso over gezamelijke verklaring voortgang verzoeningsgesprekken Cypriotische leiders (en)

"I welcome the joint statement announced today by the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, Demetris Christofias and Mehmet Ali Talat. It shows the level of commitment and responsibility that the two leaders are putting in the settlement talks. The statement shows also the important progress achieved since the full fledged negotiations started on 3 September 2008. These achievements clearly demonstrate that a settlement is in reach and that there is a chance to finalise the talks in the next few months. I would like to reiterate the full support of the European Commission to the efforts of the leaders of the two Communities aimed at reaching a settlement soon and our readiness to provide all the necessary support to the process. The Commission follows very closely the development of the talks and hopes that this long standing conflict on European soil will come to an end."

Joint Statement of both leaders read out by Mr Downer after the leaders' meeting on 30 March 2010

"After many meetings that have taken place to date, and our discussion on all aspects of the Cyprus problem we are encouraged by the important progress we have made so far on Chapters of Governance and power sharing, EU matters and the Economy and we are convinced that with perseverance we shall achieve comprehensive settlement.

We underscore the fact that negotiations are being conducted under the overriding principle of the "integrated whole approach" which means that "nothing is agreed unless everything is agreed".

We are convinced that our mutual concern for the common good of the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots and our will for a comprehensive solution will soon lead us to an exhaustive discussion of the remaining aspects of the Cyprus problem and the overcoming of the divergent positions soon, so as to achieve a mutually acceptable solution that will be put to separate simultaneous referenda.

Whilst the negotiations remain confidential it is recognised that the leaders may explain to their communities the progress made so far and the differences that still need to be resolved."