THE representative of the Irish Presidency of the EU, Mr Kestler Heaslip, a former Irish ambassador, said yesterday he was optimistic a solution could be found to end the division of Cyprus, a candidate for EU membership.
Mr Heaslip, appointed as the EU representative on Cyprus by Ireland when it assumed the presidency on July 1st, is in Cyprus to hear the positions of the two sides concerning its division.
"I am more optimistic now than I was an hour ago," Mr Heaslip said after meeting President Glafkos Clerides. "It is perfectly obvious to me that he is determined to find a solution to the problem."
Later in the day, Mr Heaslip met the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Rauf Denktash. "We explained to Mr Heaslip that the rule of law, equality and equal treatment of both sides are of paramount importance", said Mr Denktash, leader of the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state recognised only by Ankara.
Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974, and Turkish troops continue to occupy the northern third of the island.
International mediators have recently stepped up efforts to reunite the island, spurred by heightened tension between Greece and Turkey. Talks on Cypriot accession to the EU are due to start in late 1997 or early 1998.
Every time someone comes here you should not think they have a plan or formula in their pockets or up their sleeves," Mr Denktash said after meeting Mr Heaslip.