Memo: Statement of President Barroso on the joint statement of the Cypriot leaders on the progress achieved in the settlement talks

"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."